Starke in Clay County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
First Muster At St. Augustine (1565)
Walk Through Time
— Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, July 13, 2021
1. First Muster At St. Augustine (1565) Marker
The first muster of militia troops in the continental United States took place on 16 September 1565 in the newly established Spanish presidio of St. Augustine. Both free and slave Africans served with the original occupation and settlement force under Pedro Menendez de Aviles. There were separate black militia units and individual blacks serving in the St. Augustine “milicia” throughout both periods of Spanish occupation from the early 1500’s to 1763 and again in 1785-1821 when Florida became a U.S. Territory.(Caption)
A Florida National Guard Heritage Series painting by Jackson Walker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1565.
Location. 29° 58.764′ N, 81° 59.071′ W. Marker is in Starke, Florida, in Clay County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Florida Route 16 and Tallahassee Street, on the right when traveling east. Located within the Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park’s “Walk Through Time” exhibit.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, July 13, 2021
2. First Muster At St. Augustine (1565) Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War I (1914-1918) (here, next to this marker); Assault On Fort Mose (1740) (here, next to this marker); World War II (1941-1945) (a few steps from this marker); Women For Freedom And Liberty (a few steps from this marker); Medal Of Honor (a few steps from this marker); Military Service Of Black Floridians 1565-1997 (a few steps from this marker); Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm: (1950 forward) (a few steps from this marker); Revolutionary War (1776-1783) (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Starke.
Also see . . . Camp Blanding Museum & Memorial Park. (Submitted on August 4, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
