Sunday, February 11, 2018

San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park

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   In 1577, the Spanish built a fort at San Marcos De Apalache to protect trade routes and Spain’s claim to Florida. Located along a remote section of the Florida coast, the settlement provided easy access to the interior of Florida, the Spanish missions, and fertile farm land.  Although San Marcos was never a large or important site it was involved in conflicts between the Spanish, English, French, Indians, and Americans as they all sought control of the area. After Florida became a state it was occupied by Confederate soldiers who held it for four years.

  The park has a small visitor center with exhibits and a short video. Signs along a self guided interpretive trail point out  remnants of foundations and other evidence of the various occupations.

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  The visitor center is accessible. A very short section of the trail is paved and accessible. The rest of it is dirt with steep hills and many roots.

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  The parking lot is shared with a boat ramp parking lot and is roomy enough for any RV.  Park  30.15214, -84.20977

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2 comments:

  1. You're in our old stompin' grounds now -- when we lived in Tallahassee (2002-2008), we often biked down to this park on the St Marks bike trail, as well as kayaking the Wakulla and St Marks Rivers. Lots of fun times there.

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    1. We haven't spent enough time in the panhandle - looks like a great place to enjoy nature. :-)

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