Walls

Officer's logs commented about high tides washing against the sides of the fort.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Though not as large or formidable as the Castillo de San Marcos, the coquina walls of Fort Matanzas were more than enough to protect its soldiers from enemy fire.

Matanzas measures 50 feet on each side and 30 feet high. It was built of local shell stone called coquina. This stone was quarried south of the inlet and transported by boat to the construction site. The stones were held together with mortar made from sand, fresh water, and lime, which was produced by burning oyster shells. This "lime ash" was also used to plaster the walls, which waterproofed the structure. The sentry tower was painted red. The opening on the west wall was the entrance into the fort. Soldiers would climb a wooden ladder to reach the gun deck. If needed, a cannon could be moved to point through this opening. Today, sturdy stairs allow easy access for visitors to the fort.