The flags flying over San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park symbolize the colorful history of this site from the Spanish explorers to the present day. The European history of this National Landmark dates back to 1528 when Panfilo de Narvaez arrived in the area with 300 men.
The first Spanish structure built at Fort San Marcos de Apalache in 1679 was a wooden fort. When Spanish colonizers built it, there were 45 Spanish soldiers and 400 Apalachee Indians living there. Spain lost the fort after an attack by English, French and Native American raiders in 1682 but was quickly able to recover it.
In the early 18th century, British forces from South Carolina and their Creek allies invaded Spanish Florida. During this war, the Spanish burned down their wooden fort and abandoned San Marcos.
Andrew Jackson occupied the fort for a brief time in the early 1800s.
Visitors can see the remains of Spanish forts as well as Civil War-era Confederate earthworks while enjoying a stroll through the park and also learn more about the park's history.
