San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, Historic state park in Saint Marks, United States.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is a state park in Saint Marks, Florida, situated at the point where the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers come together. The grounds hold the remains of fortifications built across several centuries, along with a museum that covers the site's many layers.
Spanish settlers built a wooden fort here in 1679, but it burned and was rebuilt more than once in the years that followed. Over time, British, American, and Confederate forces each took control of the site, leaving behind different layers of construction.
The museum on the grounds displays objects left behind by Spanish colonists, British soldiers, and early American settlers, all found at the same location. Walking the site, visitors can see how each group built on top of what came before.
The park is open Thursday through Monday and has walking trails with signs that explain what visitors are looking at along the way. Wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea, since the outdoor areas and the museum together cover a fair amount of ground.
A hospital built on the grounds in 1857 was constructed using stones taken directly from the old Spanish fort, which had stood nearby for generations. That same building was later used as a military prison during the Civil War, shifting from a place of care to one of confinement.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
