Fort Matanzas National Monument

Fort Matanzas National Monument preserves an 18th-century Spanish masonry fort that guarded the southern inlet to St. Augustine, Florida. The fort is a compact masonry tower built in the 1740s to control access through the Matanzas River.

The monument includes a small visitor center on the mainland and the fort itself on a barrier island; the fort interior and the grounds are part of guided tours led by park staff. The site highlights Spanish colonial military architecture and coastal defense strategies of the 18th century.

The fort was constructed by Spanish colonial authorities in the early 1740s following conflicts with British forces in the region and remained a coastal defensive post through the colonial period. In the 20th century it was designated and preserved as a national monument to protect the structure and interpret its history.

Fort Matanzas sits on a small island in the Matanzas River about 14 miles south of downtown St. Augustine. Visitors reach the fort by a short ferry ride from the park visitor center across tidal marsh and river channels.

• Access: Access to the fort is by a National Park Service ferry from the visitor center, with the crossing taking roughly 10-15 minutes each way.
• Interpretation: The site preserves an 18th-century Spanish coastal fort built to guard the southern approach to St. Augustine, and ranger-led programs interpret its history.