8635 A1A South, www.nps.gov, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Phone: 904-471-0116
Fax: 904-471-7605
Open All Year
Overview. Its name means "slaughter" in Spanish, and its history is linked with the Spanish massacre of French Huguenots in 1565. During the middle of the 16th century, European powers were struggling for dominance in the New World. The Spanish had already claimed Florida and established shipping routes along its eastern coast. The French challenged them by settling near Jacksonville and building "La Caroline" in 1564. The Spanish countered by settling St. Augustine in 1565, which prompted the French to stage an ill-fated naval attack on the site. A storm blew the French ships off course, wrecked them, and gave the Spanish a chance to retaliate. They captured poorly defended "La Caroline" and met the shipwrecked French at Matanzas Inlet, 14 miles south of St. Augustine. Nearly all the French were killed after they surrendered to the Spanish. Originally, wooden watchtowers were erected at Matanzas Inlet, and guards were posted to warn of enemy approach. After an unsuccessful British attack in the 1740s, the stone fort, which still stands, was built and armed with up to six cannons. What to see and do. The historic park is situated at the southern end of Anastasia Island, south of St. Augustine. At the visitor center, you can view a video, take in the exhibits, and browse the bookstore. A half-mile boardwalk nature trail leads through the maritime forest. The National Park Service operates a ferry, free of charge, to the fort, where rangers will lead you on a tour of the structure. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Once you've explored the history of the area, take advantage of the excellent fishing and sunbathing Anastasia Island's beaches have to offer.
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