Observation Deck -1

A visitor to the fort in the 1920’s looks down the remains of the chimney.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The observation deck was one of the most vital parts of the Matanzas watchtower, as it enabled the soldiers to see for miles. Enemy ships would be spotted long before they posed a threat.

Then, as now, a narrow ladder was the only access to the top of the tower. This opening probably had a cover to keep the rain out of the officer's quarters. The deck provided an excellent view of the inlet to the south. In 1742, the inlet was about a half-mile closer than it is now, within easy range of the fort's guns. To the north, the waterway leads to St. Augustine, fourteen miles away. The structure on top of the roof is a chimney, which vents the fireplace in the soldiers' quarters. This deck also collected rain water and funneled it through a drain into the fort's water cistern below.