Fort Matanzas

Built by the Spanish in 1742 to protect an inlet of the Matanzas River, this masonry fort near St. Augustine, Florida, was built on the site of a 16th century massacre. Twelve British ships were forced to retreat in a brief skirmish in 1742 as the fort was nearing completion. Today, the site preserves part of an intact barrier island ecosystem, including beaches and a nature trail.