Enemies Within

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News Release Date: April 11, 2014

For St Augustine, the Civil War was to be truly devastating, but in 1863 the full ramifications of Secession on the Nation’s oldest city were only just being realized.

In March of 1862, the town was officially taken over by Union forces and the area was considered “pacified” by Union Command, but for the individual soldier and townsperson, life in St Augustine could be rather precarious. 

Whether it be Confederate forces in the Florida Interior, Secessionist Townspeople, disease, Confederate sharpshooters or angry women of the town, the Union Army had many enemies to contend with. Likewise the townspeople feared Union reprisals, escaped slaves and an ever crushing poverty. 

For both groups they faced a monumental task of facing the enemy within, within their homes, their fortress, their land and themselves. 

On Saturday, 19 April, there will be three night time candle-lit tours of the fort covering this period in history lasting roughly 45 minutes each. Tours depart from the ticket booth at 6:15, 7:00 and 7:45. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis at the Fee booth and will be $8 per adult ages 15 and up, $4 per child aged 5 to 15 and children under 5 free, space is limited. For questions, please call [phone] ext. 233. 

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