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Fort Matanzas National Monument :-
Throughout its history, the story of Fort Matanzas has been closely
intertwined with that of the city of St. Augustine and the Castillo de San
Marcos. This Spanish outpost fort was built in 1740-1742 to guard the Matanzas
Inlet and to warn St. Augustine of British or other enemies approaching
from the south. Fort Matanzas now serves as a reminder of the early Spanish
empire in the New World. In addition, the park, which is located on barrier
islands along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas estuary,
provides a natural habitat rich in wildlife with the salt marsh, scrub,
and maritime hammock now protecting endangered and threatened species like
the historic Fort Matanzas protected St. Augustine long ago.
ACCESSIBILITY
The visitor center, restrooms, and boardwalk trails are wheelchair accessible.
The ferry boat to the fort and the fort itself are not wheelchair accessible.
Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot. The park movie, shown
on request in the visitor center, is available in a captioned version.
Large print and braille nature trail guides and park brochures are also
available in the visitor center.
FOR KIDS
There is a lot for children to do at Fort Matanzas! Not only
is there the boat ride to the fort, but there is also a short (half-mile)
nature trail through the woods. Children also enjoy walking along the
river shore and watching the wading birds and crabs. Also, an entrance
to the St. Johns County beach is just across the street from Fort Matanzas.
Junior Ranger Program
Children age 6-12 are invited to explore the natural and historic aspects
of the park by participating in the Junior Ranger Program. Junior Rangers
visit the fort, watch the park movie, look at the exhibits, and use the
trail guide to explore the nature trail. Completing four activities in
the Junior Ranger Handbook earns them a Fort Matanzas Jr. Ranger Badge.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Operating Hours & Seasons
Fort Matanzas National Monument is open to the public from 9:00
am to 5:30 pm every day of the year except December 25. The ferry to the
fort leaves the Visitor Center dock 9:30 to 4:30 on the "thirty"
(half-past the hour). The usual tour is 45-50 minutes, including a ranger
presentation.
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