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

Sentinels of the Coast

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

1. Sentinels of the Coast Marker

Inscription. Since early times, coastal towers were important in the defense of St. Augustine. From the wooden lookout here in 1586, Spanish sentries warned of approaching English raiders under Sir Francis Drake. Later the tower was built of stone. It served during the 1740 siege, was converted to a lighthouse in 1823 and used until it was lost to the sea. The present light replaced it in 1874.

Erected 1963 by St. Johns County Historical Commission in cooperation with Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. (Marker Number F-110.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1586.

Location. 29° 53.169′ N, 81° 17.246′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is on Red Cox Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Florida Skipjack: Now (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Florida Skipjack: Then (about 300 feet away); In Memory of The Crew of United States Coast Guard E-2C Radar Surveillance Aircraft Number 3501

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(about 300 feet away); World War II (about 300 feet away); Lighthouse and Keepers House (about 300 feet away); Sailboats (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named World War II (about 300 feet away); In Loving Memory of Steve Senecal (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Also see . . . St. Augustine Lighthouse Museum. (Submitted on September 19, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

2. Sentinels of the Coast Marker

St. Augustine Lighthouse from the Marker Location image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

3. St. Augustine Lighthouse from the Marker Location

St. Augustine Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

4. St. Augustine Lighthouse

Lens of the Light image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

5. Lens of the Light

Model of the Earlier Lighthouse/Sentry Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

6. Model of the Earlier Lighthouse/Sentry Tower

Spiral Staircase of the Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

7. Spiral Staircase of the Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,724 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 19, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.