Place

Invincible Defenses Wayside

On the upper half of the slanted panel, a color illustration of the fort. To the left, light tan and grey lines highlight the fort’s left section. On the right is the inner courtyard with doorways and windows. To the right on the flat roof gun deck are cannon positions and the wedge-shaped ravelin. Immediately outside the fort’s high walls, shaded in light green is the dry moat. Beyond the moat, tiny soldiers in blue uniforms stand in the covered way holding their muskets. A wall surrounds the covered way. At the high level of the wall is the grassy slope of the glacis.  Below, the illustration, black text against a light tan background, in English and Spanish reads:  Invincible Defenses. After marching through miles of wilderness, the Castillo is within sight, seemingly close. But can it be taken? A treacherous obstacle course of rising slopes (glacis), low walls (covered way), and a moat, all protected by Spanish soldiers and cannons await anyone any foolish enough to attack.  The massive, high walls of the fort provide its defenders with a perfect view of enemy movements. The cannons within the star-shaped fort are positioned to catch attackers in a deadly crossfire. In 1702 and 1740, attackers tried long sieges rather than attempt a direct assault on this fortress.  End of Text  At the bottom right, a small circle divided into 4, triangular wedges. Each wedge has a portion of a flag and date range for an important period in the fort's history. 1 wedge is bright, indicating the time period of the panel story and the other three wedges are muted. From the top, moving clockwise: Great Britain: 1763-1784; Spain: 1784 to 1821; the United States: 1821-1900; and Spain: 1672-1763, is bright.  Below the circle, light grey text in English and Spanish reads: First Spanish Military Era.  Beyond the panel a view of a wide grassy area that gently slopes upward toward the fort. Just below the fort and to the right, a view of the replica Cubo Line; the low wall of defense.

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Wheelchair Accessible

After marching through miles of wilderness, the Castillo is within sight, seemingly close. But can it be taken? A treacherous obstacle course of rising slopes (glacis), low walls (covered way), and a moat, all protected by Spanish soldiers and cannons await anyone any foolish enough to attack.

The massive, high walls of the fort provide its defenders with a perfect view of enemy movements. The cannons within the star-shaped fort are positioned to catch attackers in a deadly crossfire. In 1702 and 1740, attackers tried long sieges rather than attempt a direct assault on this fortress.

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

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Last updated: February 12, 2021