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

Changing Times in the Quarry

— Anastasia State Park —

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 1, 2024

1. Changing Times in the Quarry Marker

Inscription. The importance of coquina stone in the settlement of St. Augustine was recognized in 1970, when this quarry site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To preserve this unique spot for future generations, no further mining has been allowed.

Natural Succession In the decades that have passed, many natural changes have occurred. Along the rim of the Succession quarry, oaks, palms, and southern red cedars have grown tall and heavy. Some trees have collapsed into the pit as topsoil has eroded under them. Decaying vegetation and sediment cover the quarry floor. Once porous, the floor has hardened and water can no longer seep through. Except in times of drought, the sediment remains wet.

Plant Life Springs Up The maritime hammock that once covered this quarry has been replaced by plants that thrive in disturbed areas. Seeds naturally dispersed by wind and water now carpet the quarry floor.

Animal Life Moves InWater and vegetation attract wildlife. Insects feed on the flowers and breed in the puddles. Birds and reptiles come to feed on the insects and grasses. Once barren, this quarry is now part of a natural cycle of life.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

• Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.

Location. 29° 52.771′ N, 81° 17.124′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in Anastasia. It can be reached from Anastasia Park Road 0.1 miles east of Anastasia Boulevard (Florida Road A1A), on the right when traveling east. Located 0.1 miles south of the Spanish Coquina Quarries trailhead in Anastasia State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, Saint Augustine FL 32080, 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: Spanish Mining of the Quarry (within shouting distance of this marker); Coquina - Foundation of St. Augustine (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Spanish Quarries (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Augustine Alligator Farm (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named St. Augustine Alligator Farm (approx. ¼ mile away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); The St. Augustine Amphitheatre (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bevin's Skiff (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Also see . . . Anastasia State Park. Florida State Parks

Photographed by Craig Doda, September 1, 2024

2. Changing Times in the Quarry Marker

(Submitted on September 5, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 347 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.