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

First Spanish Muster Site in Florida

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 2, 2016

1. First Spanish Muster Site in Florida Marker

Inscription. The first muster of Spanish militiamen in the newly-established presidio (fortified encampment) of St. Augustine took place in September of 1565. During the onset of the San Mateo hurricane Adelantado Pedro Menendez de Aviles assembled 500 regular soldiers to attack the French settlement at Fort Caroline on the St. John's River while the French sailed south towards St. Augustine. Staying behind in the presidio was a group of some 100 civilians including craftsmen, laborers, farmers, priests, wives, and children. Among them, free white men were pressed into military service in accordance with Spanish law to defend the community and protect its supplies against a possible counterattack. Menendez's victory at Fort Caroline helped to secure St. Augustine against further French threat. The Florida National Guard honors September 15, 1565, as the first muster of Florida's militia and therefore the birthdate of the militia in what was to become the United States. St. Augustine is the oldest permanently occupied European settlement in the continental United States.

Erected 2015 by The Department of Military Affairs, The Florida National Guard, and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-848.)

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

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• Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 15, 1565.

Location. 29° 54.447′ N, 81° 18.981′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in the Historic District. It is at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Williams Street, on the right when traveling north on Magnolia Avenue. Marker is at the entrance to the Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 Magnolia Avenue, 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.

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: Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (here, next to this marker); Pedro Menéndez de Aviles (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (within shouting distance

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 1, 2025

2. First Spanish Muster Site in Florida Marker

of this marker); a different marker also named Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S.S. Constitution Cannons (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, February 2, 2016

3. First Spanish Muster Site in Florida Marker

Fountain of Youth marker can be seen next to this one.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,399 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 5, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on April 16, 2025, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on March 5, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.