[Mama_Bear]

Finally got back here and thoroughly enjoyed this post! Kudos to both of you for the good job on this. This was a time and locale in history that I was not very familiar with. I had no idea that Spain played such an important role in our winning the Revolutionary War. (Even though I love U.S. history, there are still gaping holes in my knowledge of certain periods.)

Now, I must see this fort, Castillo de San Marcos, and the charming St. Augustine. Jk and I did see Fort Moultrie (mentioned in your post) while we were visiting Charleston last year. At least I HAVE been there!

Thank you both for this post and for the long hours of work that went into it. Finest hugs to two very special people....((((((((Aqua/Ladyx))))))))

[dixie sass]

All these FReepers that come to Charleston...

[Aquamarine]

Knew if no one else read this Post that you would and that alone made it worth the effort. :)

History - It's good to know where we've been so that we have a better idea of where we're going.

[LadyX]

"Jk and I did see Fort Moultrie (mentioned in your post) while we were visiting Charleston last year."

I've seen a number of forts, Mama, but none can rival the power of the huge Castillo de San Marcos.

It is stark and quite imposing, moats and all, and utterly dominates the landscape.

Walking all of it and the underground expanses requires endurance and stamina I no longer have.

Thinking of those Indians who were incarcerated there brought great sorrow.

Here is a link to an informative site about the castle; just click on the graphic:

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Excerpt:

The Second Spanish Period ended in 1821 when Spain gave Florida to the United States, and in 1825 the name was again changed -- this time to Fort Marion. During the ensuing years the old structure was used, at various times, to house Indian prisoners during the Seminole Wars; to house Confederate soldiers during the Civil War; for holding Plains Indians captured during western campaigns; and as a military prison during the Spanish American War.

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~ Photo taken about 1975 ~

Read what is - HERE - and weep, reading a letter written by an Indian descibing the conditions and an escape by two of them.

More info about the Indians is - HERE -
Scroll down 3-4 pages for the names of some of the important Indians there - won't let me copy any part of the book.

Seem to recall that Chief Geronimo was imprisoned there also...