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

The Rosario Defense Line

Presidio San Agustín

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 1, 2011

1. The Rosario Defense Line Marker

Inscription. The Rosario Defense LineThis earthen embankment re-creates a section of the defense wall that protected Spanish St. Augustine against attack in the 1700s. After crossing the natural moat on the outside of the wall formed by Maria Sánchez Creek (now filled), enemy soldiers faced a man-made barrier planted with sharp, dense yucca (Spanish bayonet) and prickly pear cactus. Removing soil from the creek bed to construct the earthwork deepened the moat, making the wall more challenging to scale.

Presidio San AgustínAn elaborate system of fortifications and defense walls made colonial St. Augustine one of the most formidable Spanish military centers in the Western Hemisphere. Defense walls protected the town's three landward sides. Over time the walls' height, width, and construction materials changed. But some portion of the defense line stood guard for more than 130 years (1704-1836).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles.

Location. 29° 53.799′ N, 81° 18.885′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County.

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It is on Cordova Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Augustine FL 32084, 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

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Tolomato Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Tolomato Indian Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Little San Felipe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The 1886 Old Drugstore (about 400 feet away); Santo Domingo Redoubt (about 400 feet away); Juan de Ribera / Juan de Rivera (about 400 feet away); Los Floridanos (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 1, 2011

2. Profile of the Rosario Line

Santo Domingo Redoubt (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Presidio San Agustín image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 1, 2011

3. Presidio San Agustín

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 1, 2011

4. The Rosario Defense Line Marker

The Reconstructed Wall Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 1, 2011

5. The Reconstructed Wall Today

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,001 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 11, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.