Historic District in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Constitution Monument
Monumento a la Constitution
— 1813 —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, December 8, 2019
1. Constitution Monument Marker
On March 19, 1812, the Spanish Parliament in Cadiz wrote the first Spanish Constitution and issued a Royal Decree for all Spanish towns throughout the empire to build monuments and rename their main plazas La Plaza de la Constitucion in commemoration of the new constitutional government in Spain. The Constitution Monument in St. Augustine, the capital of the Spanish colony of Florida, was constructed in 1813 in celebration of the newly formed government in Spain. On September 15, 1814, news arrived from Havana that the constitutional government in Spain had been overthrown and returned to the Monarchy. A second Royal Decree was issued to destroy all the constitution monuments throughout the Spanish empire worldwide. St. Augustine’s officials resisted the order and refused to teat down what they had sacrificed much to build. It is believed the Constitution Monument in St. Augustine is the only surviving, unaltered monument in the world from this campaign.
Spanish – Florida Foundation 500 Years
Government of Spain
Colonial St. Augustine Foundation
Erected by Spanish – Florida Foundation 500 Years, Government of Spain, Colonial St. Augustine Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Andrew Young Crossing (a few steps from this marker); Plaza de la Constitución (a few steps from this marker); 8 inch Columbiad (a few steps from this marker); Prisoners of War in St. Augustine During the American Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Government House: Legacy of Authority (a few steps from this marker); Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine (within shouting distance of this marker); Balcón de los Reyes (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, December 8, 2019
2. Constitution Monument Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 777 times since then and 135 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 17, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
