St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Great Cross
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1992
1. The Great Cross Marker
This Great Cross marks the approximate site where in 1565 the Cross of Christianity was first permanently planted in what is now the United States.
It is a beacon of the faith to remind all those who pass this way, by land or by sea, of the religious beginning of our Nation.
The Cross was erected by the Diocese of St. Augustine as the climax of the mission's 400th anniversary observances 1965-1966
Father Lopez, first pastor described the landing and settlement here on September 8, 1565: "As I had come ashore the evening before I took a cross and went to meet (Captain General Menendez) singing the hymn Te Deum Laudamus. The general, followed by all who accompanied him, marched up to the cross, knelt and kissed it. A large number of Indians watched these proceedings and imitated all they saw done."
Erected by The Diocese Of St. Augustine.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 8, 1565.
Location. 29° 54.253′ N, 81°
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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: Saint Augustine (within shouting distance of this marker); Mission Nombre de Dios (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Archaeology at the Nombre de Dios Mission Nuestra Se๑ora de La Leche Shrine (about 400 feet away); An Archaeological Discovery (about 400 feet away); Nombre de Dios Mission (about 400 feet away); Archaeology at the 17th Century Shrine of Nuestra Se๑ora de la Leche (about 500 feet away); Historic Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche (about 600 feet away); Our Lady of La Leche (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
Regarding The Great Cross. Designed by Ugene Kennedy, Jr. (sculptor), the stainless steel cross stands 208' tall above the marshes of the Matanzas River.
Additional commentary.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1992
2. The Great Cross
Father Francisco L๓pez de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of Men้ndezs fleet offered the Mass of Thanksgiving here on September 8, 1565, the day the city of St. Augustine was founded. Gathered around him were Don Pedro Men้ndez de Avil้s, Adelantado of Florida and Captain General of the Indies Fleet, with his colonists, soldiers and the Timucuans who had lived on these shores before the Lord Christ was born.
Following Mass, Pedro Men้ndez hosted a feast for his companions and their new native friends. Thus began the first permanent Christian settlement in what is now the United States of America. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted January 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1, 1992
3. The Great Cross
On this site, September 8, 1565, Pedro Men้ndez de Avil้s landed and founded Saint Augustine. The cross is made of stainless steel and stands 208 feet tall.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1, 1992
4. Father L๓pez
Memorial to Father L๓pez stands on the lagoon's eastern bank, along with the Great Cross.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1992
5. The Chapel~Nombre de Dios
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1, 1992
6. Nearby is the sought after "Fountain of Youth"
Spanish explorer Ponce de Le๓n is believed to have come ashore on April 2, 1513 in search of the elusive fountain of youth.
Photographed by Michael Stroud, circa July 1992
7. Fountain Of Youth
Photographed by Michael Stroud, July 1992
8. Castillo de San Marcos Stands Nearby
Castillo de San Marcos is
the oldest remaining European fortification in the nation. El Castillo dates back to 1672 and is a fine example of military architecture from the Spanish empire. It served as a prison for a short time and was declared a national monument in 1924. The fort's original cannons are periodically fired during the summer months.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 7,973 times since then and 303 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on January 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
