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

Cannon

Cañones

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

1. Cannon Marker

Inscription. Although the Castillo's high walls and moat were a substantial obstacle to anyone trying to capture the fort, the cannon here on the gundeck (or terreplein) were the were the real strength of the fort. With a range of over a mile, the cannon could strike at ships in the harbor as well as soldiers on land. The Spanish kept the land cleared of trees for 250 yards beyond the fort so that approaching troops had no natural cover or protection. In 1763, the fort had 77 guns.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1763.

Location. 29° 53.876′ N, 81° 18.675′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in the Historic District. Marker can be reached from South Castillo Drive (State Road A1A), on the right when traveling north. Located at the parapet of Castillo de San Marcos. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11 S Castillo Dr, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Matanzas Bay (a few steps from this marker); St. Charles Bastion (a few steps from this marker); 1740 Siege (a few steps from this marker); Reading the Cannon / Claves de cañones (a few steps from this marker); Sizzling Salvo / Al rojo vivo

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(a few steps from this marker); Indian Prisoners (a few steps from this marker); Pirate Attacks (a few steps from this marker); Tidal Toilet / Limpiado por las mareas (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Also see . . . Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. National Park Service website. (Submitted on August 21, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

2. Cannon Marker

Reproduction Cannon at the Castillo image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

3. Reproduction Cannon at the Castillo

Reproduction cannons allow park service living historians to demonstrate the drills used by crews manning the guns.

Authentic Cannon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, August 2, 2011

4. Authentic Cannon

The Castillo boasts one of the best collections of 18th and early 19th century artillery in the United States.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 588 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 21, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.