Fernandina Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort San Carlos

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010

1. Fort San Carlos Marker

Inscription. On this bluff overlooking the Amelia River, Fort San Carlos was completed by the Spanish in 1816. The fort was made of wood and earthworks and was armed with eight or ten guns. As the Spanish Empire disintegrated, Fort San Carlos became increasingly vulnerable to foreign intervention. Commissioned by representatives of revolting South American countries to liberate Florida from Spanish control, Sir Gregor MacGregor seized the fort in June, 1817. After his withdrawal in September, the Spanish attempt to reassert their authority was repelled by forces led by MacGregor's lieutenants, Jared Irwin and Ruggles Hubbard. Somewhat later, the pirate Luis Aury gained control of the fort. Because Aury's privateering threatened negotiations concerning the cession of Florida, United States troops occupied Fort San Carlos in December, 1817. Although upset by U.S. interference at Fort San Carlos, Spain did cede Florida in 1821, and the U.S. abandoned the fort shortly after the transferral. Archaeologists estimate that two-thirds of the area has disappeared through erosion.

Erected 1976 by General Duncan Lamont Clinch Historical Society of Amelia Island in cooperation with Department of State. (Marker Number F-250.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era

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• Forts and Castles. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1817.

Location. 30° 41.335′ N, 81° 27.376′ W. Marker is in Fernandina Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. It is at the intersection of Estrada Street and White Street, on the right when traveling south on Estrada Street. This historical marker is located at the northeastern end of Amelia Island in Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park, which is situated along the Amelia River, near the confluence of the Amelia River with the St. Marys River. It is in this area that the St. Marys River marks Florida's northern boarder with Georgia. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s First Coast,

in Greater Jacksonville,

and on the Sea Islands.

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: The UNESCO Slave Route Project: Resistance, Liberty, Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Plaza San Carlos (within shouting distance of this marker); The Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipwreck, Slavery and Survival (within shouting distance of this marker); 6-Pound Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Clinch Military Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Town (approx. ¼ mile away); McClure's Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fernandina Beach.

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Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010

2. Fort San Carlos Marker

View looking west with historical marker in the foreground and in the background of view of where Someruelus Street ends at the Amelia River.

marker. It would seem that the Fort San Carlos area is an important part of Amelia Island's rich and storied past. One of it's more unusual claims to fame is that there has been eight different flags hoisted above the Fort San Carlos area, more, it is alleged, than any other location in the United States of America.

The eight different flags that have flown above Amelia’s shores are: French from 1562-1565; Spanish 1565-1763; British 1763-1783; Spanish (again) 1783-1821 with 3 interruptions — Patriots 1812, Green Cross of Florida 1817, Mexican Rebel Flag 1817; United States of America 1821 to present with one interruption — the Confederate Flag, 1862

Also see . . . Fernandina Beach FL. This link provides historical information on Fernandina Beach, Florida, and discusses briefly the Fort San Carlos. (Submitted on July 21, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010

3. Fort San Carlos Marker

View looking northwest showing the Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 25, 2010

4. Fort San Carlos Marker

View looking northwest of historical marker with the Amelia River's confluence with the St. Marys River in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,365 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.