S";? ^^^^ r 319 S2 J862 :opv 1 JST CARD GUIDE And HISTORy Of Old SAINT AUGUSTINE Old in years, in spirit new St. Augustine is calling you POST CARD GUIDE And HISTORy Of Olo SAINT AUGUSTINE FORTY-SIXTH THOUSAND COPVRrCHT. 1912 By H.J. US(Nf) SAINT AUGUSTCNE FLORIDA 1. FORT MARION (Formerly San Marco)— Built of coquina. Finished 1756. 2. CITY GATES— Built about 1620. All that is left of old city wall. 3. CATHEDRAL— Spanish built in 1791. Burned 1887. Old walls remain. 4. OLD HOUSE — Corner Marine and St. Francis streets. 5. PONCE DE LEON — Finest tourist hotel in world. 6. PLAZA — Slave Market at east end. 7. ALCAZAR • — Casino and Swimming Pool in south end. 8. TREASURY STREET— Narrowest street. 9. CITY BUILDING — Corner St. George and Hypolita streets. 10. BARRACKS — State Arsenal. 11. DEPOT— Florida East Coast Railway. 12. MEMORIAL CHURCH — Corner Valencia and Sevilla streets. 13. GRACE M. E. CHURCH — Corner Carrera and Cordova streets. 14. BAPTIST CHURCH — Corner Carrera and Sevilla streets. Florida discovered by Ponce de Leon, 1513. St. Augustine settled by Pedro Menendez, 1565. *Usina's Book and Souvenir Store, "The Busy Corner" (Headquarters for the Guide) — Corner St. George street and Cathedral place. Wo tije ^igtjWeer IT is not our purpose in publishing this guide to try to do something better than the pub- lishers of other excellent guides already on the market, but the need is evident for an authen- tic guide to the principal points of interest in and around historic old St. Augustine which can be carried by the sightseer without inconven- ience. The Post Card Guide aims to give in a simple, direct way the more important dates and information connected with the Ancient City. We are indebted to the many excellent histories and guides already published and to some of the older residents and the Historical Society for their aid in helping gather the information here- in, and here express our thanks and appreciation. The Publishers. ^t. Augustine ilistorp '^^^'^^BOUT four centuries ago Juan Ponce, Knight of Leon, / ■ % braving the dangers of unknown waters and terrifying ^m^ ^^ myths of "the land of the Bimini," set sail in a frail little high-pooped vessel of the sixteenth century in search of the fabled "Fountain of Youth." On March 27th (Easter Sunday), 1513, the little caravels of the Spanish knight were brought to at a point a short distance north of the site of St. Augustine, and here, in the balmy breezes of a perfect spring day, Juan Ponce unfurled the red and yellow banner of Ferdi- nand, in whose name he took possession of the sun-kissed "Land of Flowers." History and stories tell us of how the Knight of Leon returned to his sovereign. King Ferdinand, reporting the new acquisition to Spain and repeating the stories of wonderful treasures of gold and precious stones and the miraculous Fountain of Youth, in whose waters one had but to bathe to be blessed with eternal life. So enthused was the brave knight with what he had seen and what he had heard of the beauties and riches of this new-found land that he set sail a second time, and landed in 15^1 on the shining beaches of the fair land of eternal youth. Legend and myth from that time are rich in romantic recitals of the vain hunt for the gold and riches and the wonderful fountain which was to bring to each and every one freedom from old age. ROMANCE GIVES WAY TO PRACTICALITY In 1565 Pedro Menendez anchored in the Matanzas, named by the French the previous year, the River of Dolphins. Menendez, evidently of a less romantic turn than the "Knight of the Lion," at once landed and actively began preparations for the founding of a city to be called St. Augustine, in honor of the day of his landing, August 28th, a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church. Surrounded by a vast wilderness, and subjected to many dan- 6 gers, real and fancied, Menendez at once began work on fortifications. Fort San Juan de Pinos was built of palmetto and pine logs and sand and the Spanish government furnished several guns for it. Much missionary work was also being done among the Indians, who worshipped the sun and who felt sure that the strange white- winged ships came straight from their Sun-god. Those Indians who accepted the new religion and became friendly were of much assist- ance to the little band of Spaniards and aided greatly in extending the fortifications to surround the city, Menendez, the founder of St. Augustine, died nine or ten years later. It was in 1580 that coquina (Spanish, signifying shellfish), a shell formation, was discovered on Anastasia Island. Recognizing the value of this material for building purposes, all available labor was enlisted in bringing it to the site of the present Fort Marion. However, it is sometime before we have any record of work on the fort as it now stands for, in 1656, the governor wrote that he found this castle (mean- ing the fort) in a tumble-down condition on account of its being made of wood. St. Augustine's fortifications for the next two centuries proved in- vulnerable and authentic history recounts many sieges of the little Spanish village and many attacks by unfriendly Indians. ATTACKS ON ST. AUGUSTINE In 1586 Sir Francis Drake landed on Anastasia Island, and cross- ing the Matanzas, sacked and burned the town, securing about two thousand pounds sterling from the fort which had been sent from Spain to pay the soldiers. In 1665 John Davis, a buccaneer, burned St. Augustine, but he did not secure much booty an old writer tells us, for the very good reason that there was none for him to get. In 1702 the English, under Governor Moore, of South Carolina, for three months besieged the fort, then named "San Marco," but, tiring of the fruitless effort, set fire to the town and retired. In 1727 Colonel Palmer, also of South Carolina, with a force of three hundred men raided the country surrounding St. Augustine, but was unable to gain entry to the city. The city gates are mentioned in the historian's account of this raid as being too strong for the attacking forces. In 1740 Governor Oglethorpe, of Georgia, attempted to accom- plish what Governor Moore failed to do in 1702, and from May 24th to July 9th bombarded the fort, but finally retired to Georgia, with- out being able to gain entrance to the town. In 1743 Oglethorpe again attacked St. Augustine, and with his Indian allies, advanced to the very walls of the fort and succeeded in killing or capturing all on the outside of the fortifications. In 1812 a number of Americans under General John Mcintosh attacked and captured Fernandina and Fort Moosa, on North Beach point, but were compelled by the Spaniards to evacuate. UNDER THREE FLAGS In 1762 Florida was ceded to Great Britain in exchange for Cuba. The British occupancy lasted twenty-two years and was marked by peace and prosperity. Public works were pushed forward, agricul- ture was engaged in and the community flourished. Florida indigo and sugar cane brought high prices in the London markets and were exported in large quantities. In 1770 fifty schooners and several square-rigged vessels entered the port. During the Revolutionary War Florida remained loyal to the British crown. In 1784 Florida was re-ceded to Spain in exchange for the Ba- hama Islands and nearly all the subjects of Great Britain left the country. The Spanish occupied Florida until July 12, 1821, when the red and yellow banner of Spain gave way to the Stars and Stripes under a treaty of cession. So from a land of mythical riches and fountains of eternal youth St. Augustine has come down through four centuries of romance, strife, poverty and prosperity to the quaint, picturesque city of min- gled modern and medieval structures; Spanish and Moorish architec- ture proudly commemorating the days of the dignity and glory of the rule of old Madrid, while no less pretentious are the up-to-date busi- ness blocks, theatres, churches and schools. And the modern St. Augustine basks in the same brilliant sun- light, and reposes under the same luminous moon as when Ponce de Leon four centuries ago became enchanted with the "Land of Flowers," and, vainly searching for the fabled "Fountain of Youth," wandered to his death 'neath the silent, gray drapery of the hanging moss. tirtje Citp i^ates! anti ^t. ^tovQe Street All that remains of the northern line of defense is the masonry of the City Gates at the end of St. George street. These gates were begun about 1743. They bear a bronze tablet dedicated by the D. A. R. The masonry must have at one time appeared towering and massive as the pillars are about thirty feet high. The city has, however, long since outgrown the narrow confines marked by this line of fortifications, and the lofty and substantial buildings of mod- ern St. Augustine make the City Gates appear too small and weak to have ever been classed as a fortification. ^^^^■k '•" laanvss^s^^i^B^^^^B IPB' MrllMff^ ~^^^3|VP^hk 1-- |P^.— *^^ . ^-: 1 This line of defense consisted of a moat or deep ditch in front of a palisade and extended from the fort to the San Sebastian river, with bastions and sentry boxes at short intervals. At the firing of the sunset gun the gate was closed, the draw- bridge raised, guards were stationed in the sentry boxes inside the gate and the late comer, no matter whether friend or foe, had to "camp out" until morning. The City Gates mark the northern end of St. George street and the beginning of San Marco avenue. St. George street is one of the older streets of the city but is still among the main thoroughfares. It is made conspicuous by the many buildings with overhanging balconies, remnants of old-world architecture, and which are found in all the older streets of St. Augustine. St. George street is a very narrow thoroughfare, which is also an old-world idea in city building. Another point of interest is at the south end of Anastasia Island where Menendez massacred Ribault's men a few days after his re- turn from the destruction of Fort Caroline. The exact site of the massacre is unknown. The inroads of the sea have washed away all evidences of the conflict. Jfort iHarion At the northern extremity of the old town Menendez in 1565 commenced a fort of wood, octagon in shape, having the walls filled with earth. The entrenchments were built with fascines also filled with earth, faced with logs of wood. This fort Menendez named "San Juan de Pinos." It was garrisoned with two hundred men and mounted fourteen cannon. Fort Marion was begun before the close of the 17th century. It is the only example of medieval fortification on this continent and was built from plans of a famous French engineer, and is a superb example of the art of military engineering as developed at that time. This massive structure of coquina covers, with its surrounding reser- vation, more than twenty acres. Surrounding the fort on its three land sides are an extensive mound or hill called the glacis. On the southeast side a bridge (formerly a drawbridge) leads across a part of the moat, to the barbican, which is a fortification surrounded by the moat, directly in front of the sally-port, the entrance to the fort proper, which it is intended to protect. In the wall of the stairway of the barbican is carved the Arms of Spain. A second bridge (part of which was originally a drawbridge) leads from the barbican across the moat to the sally-port. This was protected by a heavy barred door called the portcullis. On the outer wall, over the portcullis, is a chiseled stone bear- ing the Arms of Spain, a globe and cross above, a Maltese cross and lamb below, together with this inscription, in Spanish: "Don Fer- dinand \T, being King of Spain, and the Field Marshal D. Alonzo Fernando Hereda being Governor and Captain-General of this place, San Augustine of Florida and its province, this fort was finished in the year 1756. The works were directed by the Captain-Engineer, Don Pedro de Brozas and Garay." The arch under the stairway at the east of the court is con- sidered one of the finest Moorish arches in the New World. This stairway was originally an incline for hauling artillery up to the terreplein. The entrance opens upon a large, square court. On the north side of this court is a chamber originally used for a chapel. At the northeast corner is the famous dungeon, around which have been woven mythical tales of the finding of human bones, a rusty chain and staple in the wall, a gold ring on one skeleton's finger, an iron cage and instruments of torture. This dungeon probably never served any more exciting purpose than a powder magazine. Mr. W. F. Brown has succeeded his father, Sergt. G. M. Brown, U. S. A., deceased, as custodian of the old fort, which is open to visitors daily. 10 )panis!i) Coat of ^vmi The Spanish Coat of Arms is in the form of a shield surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a bor- der of flintstones and flaming gold. From this border, at the bottom, depends a lamb. The shield prop- er is divided into four parts, two containing the lion rampant and the others containing castles. The crown at the top of course is significant of power. The flint- stones and flames of gold are em- blematic of the spirit of the nation. The Maltese cross and lamb rep- resent the most illustrious order of Spanish knighthood, the Golden Fleece. The lion rampant is the heraldic emblem of Leon, which so long withstood the Moors. The castle, arms of Castile (castle), be- ing placed on the shield with the arms of Leon signify the union of the two kingdoms by the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella. ^labe iWarfect anb Cfjarlotte Street The "slave market," on Charlotte street, at the plaza, was built about 1840 for use as a public market. The only connection this market has with slaves is the fact that a few runaways were sold there in order to raise money to send the rest of the escaped ones back to Fernandina whence they came. The name "slave market," however, was given it by an enter- prising photographer to make his picture sell more readily. The artesian well in the market is one of many in St. Augustine. Charlotte street is another of the old and narrow streets with the Spanish style of overhanging balconies and old coquina houses. 11 The old Fatio building on this street, a short distance south of the plaza, is one of the old buildings of the city and was formerly used for a hotel. There are several other old houses on this street. 0lti ^panifii) ^bminisitration ^mlhirxQ The present postoffice building was the administration build- ing under Spanish rule and the residence of the governor. In those days it was called "The Palace." This is without doubt the oldest postoffice building Uncle Sam has. The building also contains the offices of the customs department and the board of trade rooms. The architecture is unique and of the style of the seventeenth century with outside balconies, supported by stout pillars, the entire length of the north and south sides. The material used in its con- struction is coquina and concrete and the building is in an excellent state of preservation. It once had a tower seventy feet high. 12 ®f)e i^arrotoegt Street One of the princi- pal points of interest in the Ancient City — Treasury street, running from Bay to Cordova street, one block north of the postoffice — was de- stroyed by the big fire in April, 1914. At the east end, which was all there was of this street at first, it was only about seven feet wide. This was the narrowest street in the United States, It was named from the fact that the building on the south side of the intersection with St. George Street was the Spanish treasury. This building had been remodeled and changed, and the high walls that sur- rounded the court- yard were converted into walls of buildings. B>t. ^ugugtine Catfjcbral Since the first mass which was said in 1565, near what is now the north end of Water street, the Roman Catholic church has had regular services in St. Augustine, with but very few interruptions. The Cathedral was almost five years in building (1793-1797) and is said to have cost over sixteen thousand five hundred dollars. 13 The belfry is of Moorish type and contains a chime of four bells, the smallest and oldest being above and the others in a horizontal line below. The smallest bell is probably the oldest bell in this country and bears the inscription, "Sancte Joseph, Oro pro Nobis, D. 1689." The old part of the Cathedral is but very little changed from its original form. After a fire in 1887, which gutted the building, it was repaired and some slight changes to the interior were made, but the walls are the original. The new part, added on to the west side of the old, is of com- paratively recent construction, and contains the clock, bell, baptis- mal fount, and a sun dial; also the entrance to the choir balcony. The Cathedral has a seating capacity of about fifteen hundred to two thousand, and the interior is richly finished, the altars being of fine Carrara marble and very costly. The organ is one of the finest and the music of the Cathedral choir is of the best, and much appreciated by both residents and visitors. The bishop of the diocese of Florida makes St. Augustine his headquarters and lives in the rectory of the Cathedral at the corner of St. George street and Cathedral place. Tourists are advised to insist that drivers and chauffeurs take them to the places the tourists wish to visit, instead of allowing them- selves to be taken to the places most convenient to the drivers. ^la^a tie la Consititufion In the very heart of the city is the Plaza, a beautiful bit of green sward, where tourists and citizens alike gather to read and sew and chat and enjoy the breezes from off the bay. The Plaza is one of the characteristics of Spanish towns. There are two monuments in the Plaza, the older one being the Spanish monument. This monument, as the plate on it reads, was erected in 1812, in commemoration of the Spanish Constitution. The tablet is inscribed in Spanish. It may be thus translated: "Plaza of the Constitution. Proclaimed in this city of St. Augus- tine, East Florida, on the 15th day of October, 1812, Brigadier Don Sebastian Kindalam, Knight of the Order of San Diego, being then Governor. For eternal remembrance, the Constitution City Council erected this obelisk, under the supervision of Don Fernando de la Maza Arredondo, the young municipal officer, oldest member of the 14 Corporation, and Don Francisco Robria, Attorney and Recorder." It was at one time ordered destroyed but the order was never en- forced. The second monument is east of the alligator pool and was erect- ed by the Ladies' Memorial Society in memory of those who gave their lives in the Civil W ar. This monument dates from 1880. On the Picolata road, at the seven mile post from St. x\ugus- tine, occurred^during^the^Indian wars the capture and the killing of a troupe of theatrical players on their way to St. Augustine. All the paraphernalia was captured by the Indians and afterwards worn by them. 0lti ^panigf) Mi^^ion iSuiltiins The Old Spanish Mission Building, corner of St. Francis and Marine streets, St. Augustine, is without doubt the oldest building in America, the records of which are preserved in the archives of the Church at Rome, 15 It was erected by the monks of St. Francis, who came to St. Augustine with Menendez, and used by them as a chapel until 1590, when they moved into their large monastery, the south wing of which was then completed. Up to 1586 this was the only coquina building in St. Augustine, and it was the only one that escaped total destruction when Sir Francis Drake made his raid on the city on May 8th of that year. About 1600 it passed into the hands of a Spanish Deputy, the title remaining with his descendants until 1763, when it was taken over by John Hudson, an EngUshman, and retained by him until Florida was re-ceded to Spain in 1783. It was then purchased by a member of the Alvarez family and held by them until 1883, Since then it has been used as a museum. (Blh Jfrancisican i$lonasfterj> The old monastery building on South Marine street is probably one of the oldest on this continent. We have records of the estab- 16 lishment of a Franciscan monastery prior to 1586, as Sir Francis Drake, in the report of his attack on St. Augustine, speaks of this monastery. Old maps also show this building and the old house across St. Francis street, which was used by the monks as a chapel before the monastery was built. This old building was used as a monastery and convent during the entire reign of the Spanish, but when Florida was acquired by the English in 1763, these buildings were converted into a barracks. after the old barracks further south had been burned, and St. Au- gustine was made a base of supplies and was one of the most impor- tant points in the English possessions in the New World. Historians fail to give any good record of this building during the second Spanish occupancy, but upon the acquisition of Florida by the United States it was in use as a barracks by the Spanish and the United States government retained possession of it, and for many years it was used by the War Department as a base of supplies and military station. 17 Its use by the federal government was discontinued several years ago, however, and it was unoccupied for some time. Recent- ly it was turned over to the State of Florida to be used as the arsenal for the Florida National Guard, and while it was greatly damaged by fire in December, 1915, it contains the offices of the Adjutant General of the State, and other staff officers, and the supplies for the State militia. ^Ica^ar, (Kfjeatresf anb Casfino Old St. Augustine is quite modern when it comes to providing amusements and entertainments for its visitors and residents. The Jefferson Theatre, at the corner of Cathedral Place and Cordova street, under the efficient management of Mr. A. R. Lynch, is a high-class motion picture house and also plays road attractions and vaudeville during the winter season. It is one of the coziest and most artistically decorated theatres in the South. 18 The Orpheum Theatre is another motion picture house of the highest order, and has brought the showing of motion pictures to a place in the city's list of pleasures distinctly its own. The Casino is an annex of the Hotel Alcazar and has one of the finest naturally heated swimming pools to be found anywhere. The regular Saturday night "hops" are a source of great pleasure to the hundreds who attend them. The Casino is annually the scene of many delightful social affairs, balls and amateur theatrical productions. ^t. ^ugusitine Sn^titute of Science anb l^isftorical ^ocietp anil Charlotte Street (By DeWitt Webb, for the Post Card Guide) The St. Augustine Institute of Science and Historical Society lost its home on Charlotte street, near Treasury, during the Apry(1914) fire, and is now located in Fort Marion. This society was founded in 1884 and the scope of its work, as its name indicates, covers a wide field, and its object has been to pur- 19 sue a line of scientific and historical research and its museum collec- tion aims to cover the geology of Florida, its prehistoric remains and its Indian relics, and its library to cover the history of Florida and to afford to students at first hand the material for the studies of its earlier as well as its later history. This geological collection covers the rocks and the fossils of Florida, the remains of the mammoth and the mastodon, from the phosphate beds, as well as from the pleistocene. Its collection of minerals was large and valuable and not con- fined to the findings in Florida. Its collection of prehistoric remains ^^-^•^^N St. George Street was large and was from the shell heaps of Florida, many of which were without doubt several thousand years old. The implements of these early dwellers of Florida show that primitive man, without even stone to aid him, made his implements of war and of peace of the shell found along the coast. 20 One of the most interesting studies in the collection was the growth of design as shown in the rude pottery found in the shell mounds. The implements found in the Indian mounds of the later day show in their numerous celt and stone axes how widespread was the inter- course of commerce of the early days, for these stone implements must have been brought hundreds of miles. The historical collection, very rich in its maps and engravings of early Florida and those who took part in its development, suffered hea\^ loss in the x\pril (1914) fire. They adorned the walls of the elegant parlor of the Sanchez and Hernandez mansion, the home of the society pre\aous to being destroyed by the great fire. The natural history collection, which covers the fish, the animals and the birds of Florida, was the collection of Dr. Vedder, and was purchased by the society several years ago and added to its collec- tion. The collection of antiques included some things loaned to the society, but in the main they were the property of the society. Among the most interesting of the articles loaned was a complete suit of armor of the twelfth century knight with two immense double- handed swords. The workmanship of this armor was exquisite and represented the age of the finest armor, as well as the most famous place from which armor and weapons of that day came, coming from Toledo, Spain. joints; of W^toxital Snteresft 3n anb iSear ^t. ^uqusitint The two buildings that can be said to go back to the very early days of St. Augustine are, without doubt, the government building, now used as a postoffice and custom house and the barracks, origi- nally the San Franciscan convent. These buildings are the only ones shown that can be identified on the map now in possession of the Historical Society and which is a copy of one made in 1675 and which map, by the way, is the only copy in the United States. Of the houses of coquina, of which there are many remaining, it is hard to fix an exact date of their erection. An original map of DeBarres, made in 1778, the original of which is in the Historical Society's museum, purports to show every house in the city at that 21 time, the stone houses as well as those of wood. Many of these houses are still remaining. Fort Marion, the center of attraction, is undoubtedly on the site of the fortification begun by Menendez on the day of his land- ing, for he began his earthworks at once in the center of the square of the Indian village by the permission of the Cacique. Two days later he went north to what is now the end of Water street and on the grounds now owned by Fred S, Allen celebrated the first mass, where afterward was erected a chapel for the use of the Indians and named "Nombre de Dios." If an old chronicle is correct, an earlier mass was said at a point near the center of the present fort reserva- tion by Ponce de Leon. The early map of 1675 in possession of the Historical Society shows seventeen Indian chapels in the vicinity of St. Augustine, devoted to the services of the Christianized Indians. One of these is on the site of the old Mortuary Chapel in the old Catholic ceme- 22 tery on Corodova street, another was in the limits of the old Catholic cemetery at the foot of Ocean street. To both these chapels tradi- tion attaches the tragedy of an Indian chief, angered at reproof, slay- ing the priests at the altar. The moat, now filled up and occupied by the public school build- ing and playgrounds of the children, extended from the fort to the San Sebastian river. The gate was the boundary of the city as originally laid out on the north and extended to Cordova street on the west and along the east side of Maria Sanchez creek to what is now South street and eastward to the bay. All this is shown on the old maps and engravings in the possession of the Historical Society. What was the Indian trail which Menendez followed in his march to the assault and destruction of Fort Caroline in the teeth of that September gale became the highway to the St. Johns river and along its line two miles above the city was established Fort Moosa and twenty miles above that was Fort Diego. Another line of earthworks for additional protection ran from the west along what is now Rohde avenue to the head of the little bay at the head of Pine street, and another line of earthworks from what is now the Vedder place on the San Sebastian to Fort Moosa. Near what is now the ice factory was a ford across the San Se- bastian by which the people came and went toward the west. About 1580 the discovery of the coquina on Anastasia Island gave the finders the only solid building material to be obtained. The tourist wishing to visit the old quarries which were worked for three hundred years must not stop with the open quarries which he sees near the lighthouse but must go further down the island, fol- lowing the old quarry road, continuing southward, leaving the road which goes over to South Beach, and he will find himself richly re- warded by visiting and climbing over and into these old quarries from which the stone was brought to build the fort and all the older houses of the city. At the head of Young's creek may still be seen the landing with its rusty chain from which the coquina was brought in lighters to the city. This quarry road is altogether one of the most interesting drives in the vicinity of St. Augustine and may be followed several miles down the center of Anastasia island. 23 palatial ^otdi It has been the aim of architects and builders to emphasize the Spanish character of St. Augustine. When it is remembered how closely linked is Spain and the Spaniards with the early history of the Ancient City it is ohly natural that fitting memorials be erected to the rule of old Madrid. The natural conditions, too, are the same. St. Augustine's sky is as delicately blue, its sunlight as bril- liant, and its moon as rich and luminous as where blow the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean. Spanish dignity and grandeur is reflected in the architecture of the beautiful Ponce de Leon Hotel, world-famous for its beauty of design and its artistic and expensive interior decorations. This hotel was built in 1885-87 of coquina and concrete. The broad stairway leading to the dining hall is of marble and Mexican onyx. In the grand parlor the decorations are of ivory and gold, with frescoes by Tojetti of Cupids and garlands. Throughout the magnificent build- 24 ing are found decorations symbolic of early St. Augustine — the stags' head, the sacred emblem of the Indian village of Seloy on the site on which this hotel stands; the lion's masque, an emblem of the doughty Juan Ponce de Leon; mermaids, shells, dolphins, and other marine devices, emblematic of the sea; and the Spanish coat of arms. Across King street is the Alcazar, which is hardly less elegant than the Ponce de Leon. The gardens and court of the Alcazar are magnificent. Connected with these hotels is the Cordova, consider- ed by many to be one of the most beautiful of permanent buildings. All these are under the control of the Florida East Coast Hotel Com- pany. Numerous other hotels of the very best class give St. Augustine special prominence and prestige with visitors. All of them have the welfare of the city and future business in mind, and nothing is left undone to make the visitors feel at home. The St. George, Mag- nolia, Buckingham, Granada, Barcelona, Keystone, Valencia, Chautauqua and Kenwood are among the well known winter hotels, while the Monson, Bennett, Marion, Ocean View, Spear Mansion and several others remain open all the year. Z\)t 0Vii Cemeteries; The oldest cemetery is the one on Cordova street, near Orange. As the old Spanish settlers were not much given to using dates on their gravestones it is impossible to determine the date this cemetery went into use. In all probability it dates from the founding of the city as the old chapel, it is authoritatively stated, stands on the foundation of one of the old Indian chapels. Another old Catholic cemetery which dates from the Spanish occupancy is at the foot of Ocean street. Here also was an old chapel. The Protestant cemetery just north of the City Gates is also an old one, as is shown by the dates on the grave markers. The National Military Cemetery is on Marine street, south of the Barracks. The three low pyramids here form the tombs of the victims of the Seminole War. 25 interesting ^i^itovknl ^potsi Near St. Augusliue, on the south l)aiik of the Moultrie creek, opposite what is now known as Moultrie Point, was a fort known as the Little Fort, erected as an outpost against Indian attacks. Near St. Augustine, on a part of Anastasia Island, is what is known as Fish's Island, formerl^^ the residence of Jesse Fish, whose ruined tomb is still to be seen. On the old King's road, a few miles from St. Augustine, are three very interesting historical spots. The first, about five miles from St. Augustine, was the scene of the first Indian treaty of 1823, look- ing to the removal of the Indians in the western part of Florida to- ward the south. At this conference more than seventy chiefs were present and it really marked the beginning of Indian troubles in Florida. Crossing Moultrie Creek, about a mile farther south, is the site of Fort Peyton, on a little hill now occupied by a farmhouse. 26 This was the site of an important fort during all the Indian wars. Nearly a mile farther along this road is the place where Osceola was captured under a flag of truce on the 26th of October, 1837. This is said to be one of only two instances in which the protection of the flag of truce was violated by the American army. The place is marked by a board stretching from one tree to another and was located by the Historical Society under the direction of one of the men prominent in his capture — Mr. John Masters. Its nearness to St. Augustine (only seven miles) renders it easy of access to any tourist. Historic spots outside the city now marked by the Historical Society by concrete monuments with suitable inscriptions are : Place of the treaty of Moultrie with the Indians, August, 1823, five and one- half miles from St, Augustine, on the old King's Road ; site of Fort Peyton; place of the capture of Osceola, October 26th, 1837, while under the protection of a flag of truce ; site of Fort Moosa, two and one-half miles north of St. Augustine ; place near the seven-mile post on the Picolata road, where a theatrical company were killed by Indians, May 23, 1840, and place of the massacre of Ribault and his men by Menendez, September, 1565. ^t Augustine's; iSirtfjtiap Celebrations; St. Augustine annually celebrates the anniversary of the land- ing of Ponce de Leon. In April of the years 1907-8-9-10-12, a repro- duction of the landing of Ponce de Leon and the founding of the city by Menendez was carried out, several hundred of the citizens partici- pating in the spectacular pageants. These affairs have been com- mented upon favorably by all and would have been a credit to any city many times the size of St. x\ugustine. Lately, however, the event has been commemorated by the hold- ing of speed boat races on the course of the St. Augustine Power Boat Club, which have proven eminently successful, as it is a hard matter to find a better speed boat course. The races attract the fastest boats on the Atlantic seaboard and also bring many handsome yachts to the city. The races have been greatly enjoyed in the past few years. Anas;tas;ia 3(s;lanb One of the favorite haunts of the tourist is Anastasia Island. Many of the most prominent points of interest about the city are on 27 the island, which is reached by bridge across the Matanzas, either by trolley or carriage. At the end of the little wood at the north end of the island may be seen the remains of the earthworks thrown up by General Ogle- thorpe in his siege of St. Augustine in 1740. The jetties were built by the United States government in an attempt to improve the entrance to the harbor. This is one of the best fishing grounds on the Flor- ida coast. To the south of the jetties may be seen a pile of rocks, all that remains of the old lighthouse which was built by the Spanish before the British oc- cupancy. This light was one of the first in the new world and was about thirty feet high. The old lighthouse, standing not far from the present wireless station, was finally car- ried away by the ero- sion of the coast which has been going on for so many years, which may be studied by consulting DeBarres' map, in the possession of the Historical Society. The present light, erected by the United States government, classed as a first order light, is one hundred and sixty-five feet high. It is open to visitors daily and the view from the tower is 28 equaled by few in the United States. Near the lighthouse is the gov- ernment wireless station, which is also an interesting place to visit. About four miles south of the Anastasia Light is South Beach, which is a typical Florida beach of pure, hard white sand, eighteen miles in length and averaging one hundred yards in width. x\t South Beach is also the alligator farm, burning spring, and museum of marine curiosities. It is also on the island that the coquina quarries are found. The delightful drives and scenic beauty of Anastasia make it one of the most popular places on the East Coast for auto parties, fishing, riding and driving, as the roads are excellent. Many residents have cottages on the island where they spend the summer months, enjoying the cool breezes, bathing and fishing. The fine hard beach also affords an excellent place for holding automobile, bicycle, horse and foot races and is always a scene of gaiety on holidays. A battery was erected by Oglethorpe in his famous siege of St. Augustine in 1740 at North Beach. This is scarcely traceable now. It is shown in old maps. 29 Cije ^fountain of goutfj A great curiosity of St. Augustine is "The Fountain of Youth." It has, however, lost its power to preserve youth for him who drinks of its waters. It has one pecuHarity distinguishing it from other wells in that the water rises and falls without any apparent reason or cause. In the vicinity of this "fountain" is a large coquina cross which was located by the discovery of a silver casque which con- tained an affidavit of the sealing of the image and placing it in a cross, which was built as a monument by the discoverer in 1513. The proprietor of this property, which is on Myrtle avenue, tells us that through courtesy the Governor of Se villa in 1908 instructed those in charge of the Archivo General de Indias and Columbus Li- brary to search the vaults and give to the United States the authentic history to be found regarding the landing of the great Adelantado Ponce de Leon. Among many interesting documents one has especial importance as fixing the time of Ponce de Leon's first visit to the shores of Florida. It is as follows: "As we bore down upon him we found him to be an Indian in a skin boat with skin sail running to a point twenty feet in the air, with a bow at the top. In the boat, which I describe in my descrip- tive image, I went ashore with the Indian. We landed near a spring that they called the Fountain of Youth; there they had a temple built where they worshipped the sun, and there I built a cross out of coquina, which is a natural formation of the sea, and laid it with the rising and setting sun. In the heart of the cross I placed a de- scriptive 'image' of myself and took possession in the name of our beloved Catholic king." ^fje Protejitant CturcJjes; Trinity Episcopal church, at the corner of St. George and King streets, was built in 1825. This building has been somewhat remod- eled and enlarged since the date of its building, but the King street entrance is today as it was originally. In 1830 the Presbyterians built an edifice on South St. George street which was in 1890 displaced by the beautiful Memorial build- ing on Valencia street. This church is one of the finest pieces of architecture to be found in the South. The material used is coquina- concrete. The Flagler mausoleum is at the west side. 30 The Baptist church was dedicated in 1896. This building is at the corner of Sevilla and Carrera streets and is constructed of pressed brick. Grace M. E. Church, at the corner of Cordova and Carrera streets, was organized in 1882. A few years later (1886), the present concrete-coquina building was erected. The Southern Methodists have built a beautiful pressed brick edifice at the corner of King and Ribera streets. Public ^uilbings; The City Building is located on Hypolita street, between St. George and Spanish streets. In this building are located the offices of the city government and the fire department. On the St. George street side are some of the best business rooms in the city. On the second and third floors on the St. George street side are also some office rooms. The building was erected in 1875 and forms a part of modern St. Augustine. 31 The fire department is at the corner of HypoHta and Spanish streets and is one of the most up-to-date and efficient fire fighting organizations in the State. The Court House, a modern building in the Moorish style of archi- tecture, located at the corner of Charlotte and Treasury streets, was burned in the April (1914) fire, but was rebuilt in 1917. The Fraternal Building is on Charlotte street, near the court house. The various Masonic lodges, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, and other fraternal organizations hold their meetings in this building. The Public Library is located on Hospital street. It is one of the old Spanish arch buildings. It has always been used as a resi- dence and was formerly the home of Judge Isaac Smith, the father of General Kirby Smith. In 1895 J. M. and Frances Wilson, of Framingham, Massa- chusetts, bought the property and presented it to the city for library purposes. It contains a library of about five thousand volumes. The Public School Building is on Orange street. This mag- nificent building was completed in 1910 at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars and is one of the finest in the State. It is designed especially for light and convenience. Besides the class rooms, it con- tains a large auditorium for school exercises and offices for the super- intendent and principal. The State School for the Deaf and Blind is located just north of the city limits. The building is new and one of the finest of its kind in the South. It is well worth a visit. Clje ^ea MaW ant> ^a^ The city being only about eight feet above sea level, it was early recognized that some protection was necessary against storm tides and encroachments by the water. Before the close of the seven- teenth century a sea wall was built by King Philip IV, about two thousand dollars being appropriated for that purpose. The wall was built of coquina and extended from the fort to a point opposite the plaza. This wall was not nearly so strong as the present one nor as high. 33 The present wall (built 1835-1837), of coquina capped with New England granite, is three-fourths of a mile long and extends from the fort to the barracks, or what is now the arsenal of the Florida National Guard. As built originally there was a recess in the wall, called the "basin," which took in what is now part of the Plaza (be- tween Cathedral place, Charlotte and King streets) and formed a landing place for small boats. This "basin" was later filled and the wall straightened to its present line. During a fire, which destroyed part of the bay front about opposite the Power Boat Club, the intense heat cracted the granite capping. Tropical Home in St. Atigustine Matanzas Bay, which is really a strait, having a second outlet at Summer Haven, is one of the finest bodies of land-locked water on the coast, being navigable for large boats its entire length, about forty miles, including North River, and boats of good size, since the open- ing of the canal, find no trouble between Jacksonville and the Florida keys. There are no better fishing grounds anywhere than the waters 34 in and about the Ancient City, and the bay affords the greatest of sport to thousands of boating parties. Jfort iWatan^ag anli Summer l^aben Near Summer Haven inlet stands a silent memorial of Spanish power — the ruins of old Fort Matanzas. This fortification was built in 1741. Its name, Matanzas, is Spanish for "slaughter," and com- Ruins of Fort Matanzas memorates a massacre of the French at this point in 1565, an event connected with the turbulent days of the founding of St. Augustine by Pedro Menendez. Fort Matanzas is about fifteen miles south of the city on the west bank of the bay and is cracked and falling with age, but still faithfully keeps silent watch on Matanzas inlet, long since become too shallow for navigation. 35 Summer Haven, a couple of miles south of the old fort, is a de- lightful little hamlet nestling on a coquina beach, and an ideal picnic and fishing ground. The links of the Country Club are at the south of the town, on a point between the San Sebastian and Matanzas rivers. This is a favorite place with many of the most enthusiastic golfers and is one of the most picturesque spots in the vicinity. Golf Links in the Distance Other outdoor pastimes are boating, fishing, driving and riding. The wild, moss-draped beauty of the hard-surfaced drives about St. Augustine are beyond comparison. Across the bridge, on Anastasia Island, to Lewis' Point, to Moultrie, the Horn road, Lewis' speed- way and others are the sources of great pleasure to the motorist, cyclist or horseman. 36 The mild climate and almost continuous sunshine of St. Augus- tine make all outdoor pastimes great favorites. The links of the St. Augustine Golf Club are on San Marco avenue just north of the city gates. The club house is a center of social gaieties during the season. This club also uses the fort green as part of their course which, together with the links on the west side of San Marco, forms one of the finest of courses. And then, too, it is not every place where one can golf in mid-winter and among the historical surroundings found in St. Augustine — not every place where the golfer can rest on the battlements of a fortress centuries old. The new $100,000 eighteen hole golf course, immediately north of the city, has just been completed and ranks with the finest in America. Handsome club buildings have been erected and tennis courts and cro- quet grounds have been laid out and are now ready for use. ^t. ^ugusftine gacfjt Club The St. Augustine Yacht Club is located on the bay, near the foot of Cathedral street. The membership is composed of repre- sentative citizens and visitors. During the winter season it is the scene of many social events and is one of the city's foremost organi- zations. Visiting boatmen find here the real "glad hand and open door," and a comfortable lounging place. The club's dock extends to deep water and affords accommodations for the largest boats. This dock is also used for the judges' stand in the boat races. The club house was originally built and for many years used as a bath house, but when remodeled made a perfectlj^ appointed club house, and was used as an auditorium frequently by different conven- tions. 37 Smportant Bates; in ^t. augustine's; llisitorp 1513 — March 27, Florida discovered by Ponce de Leon. 1513— April 3, Ponce de Leon landed at St. Augustine for the first time. 1521 — Ponce de Leon visits Florida the second time. 1564— Huguenot settlement of Florida under Ribault and Laudonnier begun. 1565— September 6, St. Augustine settled and fortifications begun by Menen- dez. First mass said two days later, September 8. 1565— September 19, capture of French fort on St. Johns river by Menendez. 1565— September, wreck of Ribault's fleet, south of Matanzas inlet. 1565 — September, massacre of shipwrecked French by Menendez near Matanzas. 1566 — The Indians under Saturvia wage war on the Spaniards. 1568 — De Gourges landed in Florida and revenged the French massacre, capturing Spanish fort. 1574 — Death of Menendez. 1580 — Coquina discovered on Anastasia by the Spanish. 1580-83 — Spanish attempt at Christianization of the Indians. 1583 — Convent of St. Francisco founded in St. Augustine. 1586 — May 8, Sir Francis Drake attacked St. Augustine. 1599 — Convent of St. Francisco burned. 1611 — Indians pillage St. Augustine and kill priests and destroy property. 1638-40 — Apalache Indians captured and sent to St. Augustine to work on the fortifications. 1665 — Attack on St. Augustine by Captain Davis, a buccaneer. 1690 — Commencement of the first sea wall by the Spanish government. 1702— Governor Moore of Carolina invaded Florida and attacked St. Augus- tine. 1704 — Governor Moore invaded Florida a second time. 1725 — Colonel Palmer invaded Florida. 1740 — General Oglethorpe attacked St. Augustine and besieged the fort. 1740 — First record of snow in St. Augustine. 1740-43 — Fort Matanzas built as a protection against attacks from the south. i755 — Don Alonzo Fernandez de Herrera appointed Governor of Florida. 1756 — Completion of Fort Marion. 1763 — Florida ceded to England. 1767 — Nicholas Turnbull brought Minorcans to Florida (near New Smyrna). 1769 — Minorcan insurrection against injustice of Turnbull. 1776 — Minorcans freed by courts in St. Augustine from contract with Turnbull. 1777 — Expedition of General Provost from St. Augustine against Savannah. 38 1778 — Colonial patriots brought from Charleston and Imprisoned in the fort by the British. 1783 — Florida re-ceded to Spain by Great Britain. 1793-97— St. Augustine Cathedral built. 1812 — Monument to Spanish Constitution erected in the Plaza. 1818 — General Jackson invaded Florida. 1821 — July 12, Stars and Stripes raised over Fort Marion, Florida having been bought from Spain. 1823 — Territorial Legislature met at St. Augustine. 1825 — Episcopal Church built. 1830 — First Presbyterian Church built. 1833 — Protestant Episcopal Church consecrated. 1835-42— Seminole War. 1836 — Escape of the Indian chiefs, Coacoochee and Hadjo, from Fort Marion. 1840 — Methodist Chapel built in St. Augustine. 1861 — Fort Marion seized by Florida troops at commencement of Civil War. 1862 — Fort Marion occupied by Commander Rodgers, U. S. N. 1872 — Confederate Monument placed in Plaza. 1875 — Indian prisoners of the United States Government confined in Fort Marion. 1886 — Apache Indians confined in Fort Marion. 1885-87 — Ponce de Leon Hotel built. 1886— Methodist Church built. 1887 — Cathedral burned. 1888— Cathedral rebuilt. 1890 — Presbyterian Church built. 1895— Baptist Church built. 1894-95— Big freeze, December (1894), February (1895), the mercury going to 11 degrees. 1897 — Light snow in St. Augustine, the second time in history. 1898-1900 — Prisoners of Spanish-American war confined in Fort Marion. 1905 — October 21, President Roosevelt delivered speech from landing of the stairway in Fort Marion. 1905 — Remains of Volunteers of Spanish-American War interred in Military Cemetery on South Marine street. 1906— Flagler Mausoleum built at the west side of Memorial Presbyterian Church. 1906 — Young Men's Christian Association, Railway branch, built. 1907-8-9-10-13— Celebrations in honor of Ponce de Leon's landing. 1918 — Ground covered with blanket of snow. Headquarters for the Post Card Guide and all other St. Augustine Souvenirs and Novelties at H. J. Usina's, corner St. George St. and Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, Fla. 39 672 fe" Send a copy of the Post Card Guide to your friends H. J. USINA, Publisher, '"''The Busy Corner" Saint Augustine ALLIGATOR FARM, SOUTH BEACH OLD CITY GATES, SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA Built 1743. consist, ing of two square pillars of coquina rock, 20 feet in height, 10 feet thick, walls are 30 feet in length and 10 feet thick, spacebetween pillars is 12 feet, and were protected with heavy iron-bound gates, and the ap- proach was by way of a drawbridge over the moat or ditch. OLDEST HOUSE IN THE UNITED STATES Old Spanish Mission Building, corner of Francis and Marine Streets, is without doubt the oldest building in Amer- ica. It was erected by the Monks of St. Francis who came to St. Augustine with Menendez and used by them as a Chapel until 1590. POST CARD PLACE STAMP HERE COMMUNICATION THIS SPACE FOR ADDRESS ONLY POST CARD PLACE STAMP HERE COMMLNICATIOX THIS SPACE FOR ADDRESS ONLY BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF FORT MARION. SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA One of the best pre- served of all the relics of the Spanish occupation is Fort Marion — formerly Fort San Juan de Pinos and San Marco. 191 years in building — complet- ed in 1756. Has withstood many at- tacks and sieges by Indians and whites. CHARLOTTE STREET, SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA One of St. .\ugus- tine's quaint streets showing old houses of coquina and over- hanging balconies. Formerly the center of business activity. Completely de- stroyed by the big fire of April 2. 1914. POST CARD PLACE STAMP HERE COMMUNICATION THIS SPACE FOR ADDRESS ONLY POST CARD PLACE STAMP HERL COMMINICATION THIS SPACE FOR ADDRESS ONLY LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 014 541 366 7 Printed by Thf Record Company St. Augustine, Florida LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Mil II 014 541 366 7 ^