Place

Guardroom

Black & white photo showing beds, fireplace, door, window, table and bench.
The bed platform could sleep 4 of the 6 soldiers. What might the other two be doing?

NPS

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Spanish soldiers left their houses in St. Augustine to man Fort Matanzas for 30 days at a time. This room became their shared home away from home.

The first floor room served as the enlisted men's quarters. The soldiers cooked, ate, and slept in this room. Opposite the fireplace was a long, wooden sleeping platform. Benches and a table completed the furnishings. On average, six people shared this room. More men could be assigned as needed. The small openings on the south wall are loopholes for firing muskets. The windows had shutters to keep out rain and the damp chill of the winter winds.

Fort Matanzas National Monument

Last updated: February 20, 2021