St. Augustine, with its ancient architecture and formidable stone fortress, stands as a testament to Spain’s profound influence on Florida, predating the founding of the United States. Yet, for twenty years during the 18th century, Great Britain claimed control over the area, a detail of history that archeologists are now bringing to light through recent discoveries.
In the fall of last year, city archeologists uncovered a dry moat belonging to a British defensive structure, built in 1781. The dig, which concluded last month, took place in Lincolnville, a historical district that is undergoing new residential development.
“St. Augustine experienced a brief British era,” explained city archeologist Andrea White. “During this time, they established seven redoubts. While historical maps provide some clues of their locations, until now we lacked archaeological proof for any of them.”
The Spanish constructed the Castillo de San Marcos in the late 17th century along the Matanzas Bay in Florida, and it now stands as a national monument. When the British claimed Florida in 1763, they inherited extensive Spanish-made defenses in St. Augustine and augmented these with their own fortifications to protect against riverine threats.
White emphasized the importance of this discovery, noting that these redoubts were the only military structures erected by the British in the area. “Most of the existing structures in St. Augustine were of Spanish origin, reused by the British during their brief rule,” she added.
The discovery was made possible thanks to an archaeological preservation ordinance enacted in 1986. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest enduring European settlement in the U.S. To safeguard its rich history, the city operates an archaeology program as part of its planning and permitting procedures.
White remarked on the program’s significance, saying, “Prior to construction, we document what exists. We don’t aim to halt construction; instead, we aim to record our history so that projects can continue with minimal delays.”
The site under exploration boasts considerable historical depth, stemming from its origins as a Native American mission in the early 1700s, later becoming an agricultural plantation, and eventually developing into the Lincolnville neighborhood post-Civil War.
“Discovering tangible evidence of the past is thrilling,” White stated. “We uncovered a broad moat, around 15 feet wide, which was part of the redoubt’s fortifications.”
Though researchers discovered limited artifacts at the site, thousands of seed types were found. They are now collaborating with a paleoethnobotanist to study the historical interplay between humans and plants, which may reveal details about the redoubt’s construction and utilization. There’s a possibility that certain plants were employed to deter erosion or hinder enemy soldiers.
White remains optimistic about the data yet to emerge from these plant remains.
For Jason Heidgerken, the contractor working on the property where the moat was discovered, the city’s archeological procedures can present timing challenges. However, he appreciates the collaborative effort, which allows him to adjust his schedules accordingly.
“Having lived in St. Augustine since 1980, I value its historical allure,” Heidgerken said. “Those who choose to live and work in the area must embrace its past and exercise patience.”
Over four decades, St. Augustine’s archeology program has documented more than 1,200 sites, collecting information spanning Spanish colonial history and extending to Native American heritage dating back 4,000 years.
“I’m fascinated by what the city does,” Heidgerken shared. “As a history enthusiast, I find their efforts commendable.”