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San Marcos de Apalache is the second oldest surviving Spanish fortification in Florida. The Spanish Governor of Florida started construction in 1679 at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers. It was also utilized during the U.S. Civil War. The 17-acre site became a state park in 1964. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and is also a National Engineering Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

Marker reads, "Wooden stockades were built here by the Spanish in 1680 and 1758. In 1758, these were destroyed by a hurricane which drowned the garrison. A masonry fort was begun in 1759 but was soon abandoned to the Indians for a trading post and Indian rendezvous. It was occupied by the Spanish in 1783. General Andrew Jackson seized and occupied the fort in 1819. It became a United States possession in 1821 upon purchase of the territory from Spain. (Continued on reverse)"