The Building of Castello de San Marcos National Park Service Interpretive Series, History No. 1

"The Building of Castillo de San Marcos" by Albert C. Manucy is a historical book focusing on the creation and importance of Castillo de San Marcos, America's oldest masonry fort, and its vital role in protecting Spanish Florida in the late 1600s. The story dives into how European military ideas were changed to fit the New World, showcasing the relationships of other colonial powers. With pirate attacks and English threats growing, the decision to build the Castillo de San Marcos was made. Manucy explains step-by-step how the fort was built, noting the use of local supplies and the work of Native Americans, prisoners, and enslaved people and how the creators dealt with issues like not having enough money, not having enough workers, and the constant fear of English attacks. The story concludes with the fort being finished and its critical role in battles, like the 1740 Siege, before becoming a historical site.