The Ancient City

"The Ancient City" by Constance Fenimore Woolson is a 19th-century fiction piece set in St. Augustine, Florida, that follows Aunt Diana, her nieces Iris Carew and Martha, and other companions on a journey marked by personal connections, historical insights, and vivid explorations of the city. The story begins with the group traveling from New York to St. Augustine during a snowstorm, charting their voyage by detailing the ship, interactions, and expectations for their Florida adventure, while establishing the relationships and individual traits of Aunt Diana, Iris, and the other travelers. The novel introduces the beauty and history of St. Augustine that includes references to its significant past, folklore, and social tensions, setting the scene for a journey loaded with charm and the human experience set against a backdrop of deep historical richness.