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Castillo De San Marcos National Monument :-
The Castillo de San Marcos, built 1672-1695, served primarily
as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, guarding St. Augustine, the first
permanent European settlement in the continental United States, and also
protecting the sea route for treasure ships returning to Spain. Although
the Castillo has served a number of nations throughout its history, it
has never been taken by military force. During the 18th century, the Castillo
went from Spanish control to British and back to the Spanish, all by treaty.
The Spanish remained in power in Florida until the area was purchased
by the United States in 1821. Called Fort Marion at this time, the Castillo
was used by the US army until 1899. The Castillo was made a National Monument
in 1924 and became part of the National Park system in 1933. In 1942,
Congress restored the original name. The park consists of the original
historic Castillo fortress itself with its attendant grounds, some 25
total acres.
ACCESSIBILITY
The entire first floor of the Castillo is wheelchair accessible, with
only the top gundeck unavailable to those in wheelchairs. Handicapped
parking is available in the parking lot, as are spaces for busses for
short term parking only. Brochures on the history of the fort are available
in several foreign languages. A large bronze model of the fort located
in one of the casemates(rooms) enables visually challenged visitors to
feel the outlines of the fortress.
FACTS
Acreage
Gross Area Acres for FY 2004 - 320
Gross Area Acres for FY 2003 - 320
Gross Area Acres for FY 2002 - 320
Visitation
Total Recreation Visits for FY 2004- 1,561,313
Total Recreation Visits for FY 2003- 1,577,333
Total Recreation Visits for FY 2002- 1,374,112
Budget
FY 2004 Annual Budget is $1,413,000
FY 2003 Annual Budget is $1,416,000
FY 2002 Annual Budget is $1,412,000
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