This church was commenced in 1793, and doubtless this bell was brought from the previous church, which was on St. George street. In the interior, the ceiling is painted, the floor of concrete, and there are a few pictures, none of note. Many of its attendants are descendants of Spanish and Minorcan families.
Opposite the Roman Catholic, is the Episcopal church, consecrated in 1833.
The oldest building in the city is supposed to be that at the corner of Green Lane and Bay street. A century ago it was the residence of the English attorney general, and was probably built about 1750. It will be observed that the coquina rock does not wear very well.
At the north end of the town, where the causeway (of modern construction) connects with the main land, is the *City Gate, flanked by two square pillars, with Moorish tops. On either side a dry ditch, and the remains of a wall, mark the fortified limits of the city.
At the southern extremity of the peninsula are the Barracks, built on the foundations of the ancient Franciscan convent. From their top a fine view of the town can be obtained. In the rear of the main building is a Cemetery where the victims of “Dade’s Massacre,” during the 1st Seminole war, were buried, and other members of the U. S. forces.
Still further south are the United States Arsenal and the remains of an ancient breastwork.
The whole east front of the town for more than a mile is occupied by the *sea wall. It was built by the United States (1837-1843) to prevent the encroachment of the waves. The material is coquina stone topped by granite. It is wide enough for two persons to walk abreast upon it, and it is a favorite evening promenade. It encloses two handsome basins, with steps leading to the water.
Fort Marion, or, as it was formerly called, the castle of San Marco, occupies a commanding position on the north of the city. It is considered a fine specimen of military architecture, having been constructed on the principles laid down by the famous engineer Vauban. No fees are required for visitors. The walls are 21 feet high, with bastions at each corner, the whole structure being in the form of a trapezium, and enclosing an area about sixty yds. square. The main entrance is by a drawbridge. Over this is sculptured on a block of stone the Spanish coat of arms, surmounted by the globe and cross, with a Maltese cross and lamb beneath. Immediately under the arms is this inscription:
Reynando en Espana el Senr
Don Fernando Sexto y siendo
Govor. y Capn. de esa. Cd. San. Augn. de
La Florida y sus Prova. el Mariscal
de campos Don Alonzo Ferndo. Hereda
Asi concluio este Castillo el an
OD. 1756. Dirigiendo las obras el
Cap Ingnro. Dn. Pedro de Brozas
y Garay.
“Don Ferdinand VI. being king of Spain, the field marshal, Don Alonzo Fernando Hereda, governor and captain of this city of San Augustin de la Florida and its provinces, finished this castle in the year 1756, the captain of engineers Don Pedro de Brozas y Garay superintending the work.”