Historic District in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Andrew Young Crossing

Peaceful Protest for Civil Rights

Photographed by Jay Kravetz, June 6, 2017

1. Andrew Young Crossing Marker

Inscription. At this location on June 9th, 1964, Civil Rights Movement Leader Andrew Young led a march from Lincolnville to the Plaza de la Constitución where they met violent opposition. Young had been sent to St. Augustine by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. a close friend and fellow advocate, to organize a peaceful protest for human rights. When Young led the group of demonstrators across the street to this location he was beaten by a large white mob that had been waiting for the marchers to arrive.

Young recalls being struck down several times in the melee. The activists, being true to Dr. King's non-violent strategy walked away. Civil rights historians agree that this was one of the pivotal events that eventually lead to the passage of the Civil Rights legislation. National press coverage of the protests in 1964 helped break Congress' filibuster on the Civil Rights Act vote. On July 2nd, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Bill into law.

Erected 2012 by City of St. Augustine.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #36 Lyndon B. Johnson series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 9, 1964.

Location. 29° 53.543′

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N, 81° 18.759′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in the Historic District. It can be reached from the intersection of King Street (Business U.S. 1) and St George Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 42 King St, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Prisoners of War in St. Augustine During the American Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Constitution Monument (a few steps from this marker); Government House: Legacy of Authority (a few steps from this marker); 8 inch Columbiad (a few steps from this marker); Plaza de la Constitución (a few steps from this marker); Clerk of Court’s Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Balcón de los Reyes (within shouting distance of this marker); Government House and the Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Spanish Public Well (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Jay Kravetz, June 6, 2017

2. Andrew Young Crossing Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2017, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,113 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2017, by Jay Kravetz of West Palm Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.