Fort Matanzas, Fla.
270-Year-Old Spanish Fort

Years of attacks by the French and British persuaded the Spanish to build Fort Matanzas to protect the city of St. Augustine. It was completed in 1742 and is constructed of local seashell fragments known as coquina. Pine pilings prevent it from sinking into the marshy ground. The fort is located on Rattlesnake Island and is accessible only by guided boat tours. Nature trails on the island provide a scenic view of forests and dunes.