Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Highpoint Trip Report
unnamed (5+ feet)
Date: December 17, 2012
Author: Fred Lobdell
Castillo de San Marcos is in Saint Augustine and was built by the Spanish settlers
in the 17th century as part of the defenses of the settlement against British attacks.
To get there, take FL 16 east from Exit 318 on I-95 about 5 miles to US 1 and turn right.
Go another mile and turn left on West Castillo Drive. Take that road about a mile to the
traffic light and turn right onto FL A1A. The fort will be on your left and the
public parking area is on the south side of the fort.
You will be expected to pay a self-registration fee for parking.
The topographic map shows 10 and 15 foot contours surrounding the fort, and they do exist,
but one of the information signs refers to the "manmade hill surrounding the fort,
called a glacis." Dirt has been emplaced to protect the fort's lower levels
from bombardment.
It is simply not possible to determine with any accuracy exactly where the natural
surface ends and the built-up area starts. But I rather suspect that the natural surface
in this area did not exceed an elevation of 5 feet by very much, which is what I indicate
in the heading above.
I thought there was a gentle natural rise near some trees on the north side of the
monument grounds. Wander until satisfied, or until you give up.