Fort Matanzas National Monument, Spanish colonial watchtower in Saint Johns County, United States.
This fortified structure built from coquina shellstone stands 30 feet tall and features a defensive tower overlooking the Matanzas River inlet.
The Spanish military constructed Fort Matanzas in 1742 to defend St. Augustine's southern water approach after Georgia forces attempted a siege in 1740.
Native Americans, Spanish colonists, and British settlers influenced the development of this strategic point along Florida's Atlantic coastline through centuries.
Visitors reach the fort via a National Park Service ferry departing from the mainland visitor center on Anastasia Island throughout the day.
The fort contains four cannons positioned in the observation deck, which protected Spanish St. Augustine from British naval attacks through the Matanzas Inlet.
Location: Florida
Inception: October 15, 1924
Operator: United States National Park Service
Website: https://nps.gov/foma
GPS coordinates: 29.71528,-81.23917
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:43
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