San Marcos de Apalache.
I have been fortunate to travel from Europe to America and back again, having a strong enthusiasm for exploration, discovery, and historical points of interest.
Many historical places have stories that enhance the imagination, however, I personally have never written about any of the experiences I’ve amassed until now. I believe it is never to late and so I’ve decided to start by writing about my travels, and food experiences around America. The first article I’ve chosen is entitled – Archeology & Exploration: San Marcos de Apalache.
Archeology & Exploration: San Marcos de Apalache.
On the convergence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers, nestled in amongst live oaks dripping with spanish moss, sits the picturesque fishing village of St. Marks.
People have been settling in this region for hundreds of years and it is easy to see their attraction. The Native Americans discovered and settled in the area, most likely captivated by the majestic presents of the region, and rich food sources.
On a recent excursion I found myself drawn to this mystical place simply by chance, San Marcos de Apalache has a rich historical history, and stories to tell.
A brief history of San Marcos de Apalache – circa 1528
San Marcos de Apalache began in 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez arrived with 300 men from Tampa and established a base at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers.
In 1539 Hernando de Soto, along with 600 men, followed the same route taken by Narvaez, to further explore the area.
By 1679 the Spanish Governor of Florida started construction on the first wooden fort built at the junction of the two rivers. The fort stood only three years, before being burned and looted by pirates.
In 1718 Capt. Jose Primo de Ribera arrived to construct a second wooden fort. Construction began on the first stone fort in 1739. Progress was slow, and the fort was less than half complete when it was delivered to the English in 1763 as a result of the war with Spain.
By 1787, Spain regained control of the fort, reoccupying it for 13 more years. In 1800 Spanish rule was challenged by a British officer named William Augustus Bowles. Bowles attempted to unify and lead an independent Creek nation of 400 Indians against the Spanish, eventually capturing San Marcos. His rule ended five weeks later when the Spanish returned with a flotilla of nine ships to retake the fort.
In 1818 Gen. Andrew Jackson invaded the territory because of continuous Indian raids from Georgia. Jackson captured two British citizens for inciting Indian raids and executed them both creating a diplomatic crisis between the United States and Great Britain. Jackson withdrew from San Marcos, leaving the fort once again in Spanish hands. In 1821, Florida was ceded to the United States, and U.S. troops were sent to occupy the area.
Today the fort lies in ruins, though the foundations of the structures are still visible, the site is mostly used for recreation and is a great spot for nature trails, kayaking, picnicking and boating. This is a very secluded, private, irresistible, and simply captivating historical area of Florida.
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