During the past four centuries numerous parties have staked their claim at historic San Marcos de Apalache. Although the history of San Marcos began in 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez arrived in the area with 300 men, the construction of the first fort at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers did not begin until 1679. The initial fort stood only three years before being burned and looted by pirates. Construction on the first stone fort was begun by the Spanish in 1739. Construction was slow. By 1763, the fort was less than half completed when it was delivered to the English as a result of the War with Spain. By 1787, Spain regained control and reoccupied the fort for 13 more years..

In 1857, the U.S. government began construction of a federal marine hospital here which provided care for victims of yellow fever. During the Civil War confederates took control of the fort and renamed it Fort Ward. To combat this stronghold, Union squadrons blockaded the mouth of the St. Marks River from 1861 until 1865. The Battle of Natural Bride eventually stopped the Union force from advancing onto the fort from the rear.

LOCATION

San Marcos de Apalache State Historic Site is located in St. Marks, off S.R. 363.

This map was created using MapQuest

ADDRESS

San Marcos de Apalache State Historic Site, P. O. Box 27, St. Marks, Florida 32355

TELEPHONE

(904) 925-6216.

OPERATING HOURS

The historic site and visitor center are open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

Summer: dress cool, temperatures in the 90's, recommend suntan lotion and/or sunscreen and insect repellent.
Winter: temperature ranges from 40 to 70 degrees. Wind chill on water can make it feel colder. Wear jackets.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Trails, Roadways Programs, Activities
A trail takes visitors on a journey through the historic fortification ruins. Real Fun in the Real Florida Today, a visitor center containing exhibits and artifacts covering the area's history is built on the foundation of the old marine hospital.

ADJACENT VISITOR ACTIVITIES

San Luis Archeological and Historic Site; Lake Jackson Mounds Archeological Site; historic Tallahassee.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contact: San Marcos de Apalache State Historic Site 1022 Desoto Park Drive Tallahassee, FL 32301 (904) 922-6007

Florida State Parks WWW Site