St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Ximenez-Fatio House
This two-story coquina house and detached kitchen was built for Spanish merchant Andres Ximenez ca. 1798 for use as a general store, tavern, and family residence. After Florida became a U.S. Territory in 1821, Margaret Cook bought the property in 1823 and, with Eliza Whitehurst, operated it as "Mrs. Whitehurst's Boarding House." Sarah Petty Anderson bought the house in 1838 and in 1851 she retained Louisa Fatio to manage it as a boarding house. Fatio bought the property four years later and ran it as a fashionable inn for twenty years, providing lodging for Florida's earliest tourists who came seeking a healthier climate. In 1939, the Fatio heirs sold the house to the National Society of Colonial Dames of America-Florida for use as a house museum. Considered one of St. Augustine's best preserved Spanish colonial dwellings, the Ximenez-Fatio House depicts the boarding house lifestyle of Florida's Territorial/Early Statehood Period. It is one of the first museums in America to interpret 19th century women's history. Multiple archaeological excavations document the property's occupation by the Native Americans, Spanish, and British. A rare Spanish Caravaca cross (ca 1650) was found on this site.
Erected by The National Society of Colonial Dames and the Florida Department of State.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Colonial Era • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 53.474′ N, 81° 18.694′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. Marker is on Aviles Street north of Cadiz Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is within 20 feet of another marker titled “The Ximenez-Fatio House.”. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Aviles Street, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Ximenez-Fatio House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Ximenez-Fatio House (a few steps from this marker); The Segui-Kirby Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); Sons of St. Augustine (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Segui-Kirby Smith House (within shouting distance of this marker); Solana House (within shouting distance of this marker); Cofradia Archaeological Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Signal From Shore (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
Also see . . . Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. (Submitted on December 10, 2019.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 12, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.