Did you know that St. Augustine is laid out in accordance with the typical Spanish town plan? This means that each town should feature a large plaza area in the center of the town, flanked by a religious center (the Cathedral) and governmental offices. Government House stands at the west end of our Plaza at …
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest stone fortification in the continental United States and one of the most beloved landmarks of St. Augustine. Built of coquina from Anastasia Island, it succeeded nine wooden forts that had previously stood at the entrance to Matanzas Bay. In 1669, following Robert Searles's attack on St. Augustine, …
This site on present day Aviles Street has been occupied by both indigenous peoples and Europeans for hundreds of years. It is classified as a Second Spanish Period residential building. The coquina Ximenez House was built in 1798 as merchant Andres Ximenez's home. Later, Miss Louisa Fatio became the last of three women to operate …
This house in downtown St. Augustine currently acts as the Research Library for the St. Augustine Historical Society. Bernardo Segui built the coquina house there around 1805. Bernardo Segui was a baker and supplied Spanish troops. In the American Territorial Period, Superior Court Judge Joseph Lee Smith from Connecticut rented this house. His wife, Frances, …
The Battista Boazio map of St. Augustine, published in 1589, shows a Spanish watchtower on the northeast corner of Anastasia Island. This eventually approximated the spot where the current day St. Augustine lighthouse, built in 1874, stands. In 1737, the Spanish replaced their early wooden watchtower with one made of coquina. It was important to …
Detailed Renovations to the Oldest House, Drawn by Bart Crichlow, 1960. St. Augustine's Oldest House, or the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, sits at 14 St. Francis Street, south of the Plaza de la Constitución, across from the headquarters for the Florida National Guard. There was a home at this site during the seventeenth century, but any such …
Today we're looking into the history of our neighbors, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine. The seat of the Diocese of St. Augustine and "America's First Parish", this Roman Catholic church has existed in some capacity since the very beginnings of St. Augustine! When Pedro Menendez made his landing in 1565, a mass of celebration …
Today we're exploring the origins and history of one of St. Augustine's more recognizable landmarks: The City Gate. Located at the north end of St. George Street, this gate has stood for over 200 years. City Gates, 1864. The gate we know today was constructed in 1808, but to fully understand their history and purpose, …
The Joaneda House prior to restoration. UFDC. Happy Belated Mother’s Day! We’ve given our own mothers a lot of thoughtful and special presents over the years, but Elizabeth Towers’ sons knocked it out of the park when they gifted her a dilapidated building on Treasury Street in downtown St. Augustine, the Joaneda House. Commission Members, …
Continue reading A Gift to Remember: Elizabeth Towers and the Joaneda House
Arrivas House today. Today we're shining a spotlight on the first restoration project completed by the St. Augustine Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission; the Arrivas House! Located at 46 St. George Street, it has a long and varied history, with a long list of owners and uses. It is one of our favorite buildings because …
Governor's House Library 