San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is the site of forts occupied for
over three hundred years by Spanish, British, United States, and Confederate
troops. The park protects remnants of a 17th and 18th century Spanish fort, a
territorial-period marine hospital and riverside warehouses, and Confederate
earthwork defenses. There are also prehistoric artifacts and oboriginal middens
that date back to 800 AD.
At the
entrance to the park, you will find flags of the four nations that have
historically occupied this strategic location at the confluence of the Wakulla
and St. Marks River's. Once home to aboriginal native Americans in prehistoric
times, the site was first visited by Spanish explorers in 1528. The first fort
was erected beginning in 1679. Andrew Jackson occupied the fort for a brief time
in the early 1800's.
A museum at the park includes displays of artifacts unearthed near the original
fort. And interpretive displays explain the history of the area, and of the
various occupations. There is also a video presentation providing the history of
San Marcos de Apalache.
An interpretive trail connects the museum with the nearby military cemetery,
Confederate earthworks and magazine, the Spanish bastian wall, and continues to
Tucker's Point at the south tip of the park. This is a short hike of less than a
half mile. From there you have a beautiful scenic view of the Wakulla and St.
Marks Rivers.
A picnic area is available with barbecue grills. Dogs on a leash are welcome at
the park. A boat ramp and trailer parking area are available for launching
motorboats and kayaks onto the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers.
Activities & Facilities
Museum or Visitor Center
Short hiking trails