Fort Matanzas National Monument
Florida

The Tower at Matanzas
Fort Matanzas, 50 feet on each side with a 30-foot tower, was built of local shellstone called coquina. Lime for the mortar was made by burning oyster shells. A foundation of close-set pine pilings driven deep into the marshy ground gave the fort stability. Coquina shell rock was quarried south of the inlet and transported to the building site by boat where the rough chunks were squared into blocks. Originally, the entire fort was plastered and whitewashed with perhaps red trim on some of the architectural elements such as the garita.

Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine’s southern river approach. The colonial wars are over, but the monument is still protecting—not just the historic fort, but also the wild barrier island and the plants and animals who survive there amidst a sea of modern development.

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More Photographs by Steve: Antelope Canyon|Monument Valley

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Revised: March 09, 2013