Control of the southeastern coast of what would become the United States was mainly a contest between England and Spain but in 1564 the French attempted to establish a settlement in northern Florida. It only lasted a year before Spain, worried about the security of their shipping route which transported gold, silver, sugar, spices and other goods from Central America to Spain, sent Pedro Menéndez with a fleet of ships to destroy the settlement. In a surprise attack at dawn 132 of the men were killed but women and children were spared. Pedro Menéndez was also responsible for founding St. Augustine.
A small visitor center has displays about the natural and human history of the area. There are several short trails. One leads to the location of the fort which has been outlined with earth berms and wooden posts. Informative signs are located along the trail and in the center of the enclosure of the fort area.
A long sidewalk leads uphill to the visitor center entrance. The visitor center is accessible. To get to the fort take the sandy road next to the bus/RV parking spaces. Wheelchair users may need to have help because the road is downhill. A golf cart is available for visitors capable of climbing onto one.
The parking lot has several long spaces for buses and RVs. Park
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