The Castillo de San Marcos will host a one-hour special event to commemorate those Spanish soldiers who fell in defense of the Castillo and the colony of St. Augustine during the British siege of 1740. When General James Oglethorpe invaded Florida in December of 1739, his troops attacked four Spanish outposts – Fort Picolata, Fort San Francisco de Pupo, Fort San Diego, and Fort Mosé – on their way to St. Augustine. The Spanish defended these small fortifications valiantly, but many were killed.

This commemorative event coincides with our nation’s Memorial Day holiday, remembering the people who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States’ Armed Forces. A military salute in the form of musket and cannon firing and laying of the wreaths will highlight this event; 9:30am-10:30am.