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Fountain of Youth Archeological Park
11 Magnolia Ave.
Off San Marco Ave., N.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-829-3168
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In the 16th century explorer Ponce de Leon heard of a magical fountain that cured diseases and helped one maintain vitality. He went on
a search for the magical fountain and happened to find the area now known as Florida in 1513. Today, the site of the first exploration of the American continent is known as the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park and it is filled with plenty of fun things to learn about and see, and of course the magical “fountain” is also found here.
Visitors to the park can enjoy the many exhibits and artifacts displayed that pay tribute to the Timucuan Indians
who inhabited this region and also the explorers that landed here -
you can even take a trip down to the spring and drink from the fountain. While the waters of the fountain are said to be full of minerals and other nutrients, the spring is not necessarily the “magical” fountain
commonly talked about in writings and lore. However, the fountain did play a large role in the Timucuan native Indian life as it provided waters to the villages.
The fountain is protected by the Spring House, a beautiful building constructed of natural materials. Inside the Spring House visitors will find the famed fountain and a gorgeous cross that is believed to have been the landmark cross Ponce de Leon left at the site of his historic landing. The cross was discovered at the turn of the 19th century and is made of coquina stones. Also displayed in the Spring House is the Salt Cellar. The Salt Cellar is a replication of a salt cellar that was found in 1904 at the site. The original salt cellar found was buried near the landmark cross, and when it was opened contained a letter on parchment paper describing Ponce de Leon’s original landing and placing of the landmark cross on the site. The
Salt Cellar was believed to be a gift Ponce de Leon received from Columbus to commemorate their 1493 voyage across the Atlantic.
In addition to the wonderful exhibits and archeological markers, the park also has a Planetarium which regularly features shows that give you an idea of what the voyage to St. Augustine was really like. Benches and picnic tables are located throughout the park and there is also a nice gift shop to purchase gifts and other collectables.
Spend the day at our nation’s first historical site and learn more about St. Augustine’s rich history. This and all other attractions are located near our St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast. Come and discover the beauty and history in St. Augustine and stay with us at the Penny Farthing Inn.
Click on the following links for more detailed area information:
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If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us, 904.824.2100,
email
us, or use our online request form. |
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