Castillo de San Marcos History

The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest masonry fortification in the U.S., built by Spain to protect its interests from English and pirate attacks. Constructed from coquina stone, the fort has withstood numerous sieges, including those in 1702, 1740, and 1812, all ending in Spanish victories. Its unique design features interlocking fields of fire and no blind spots, making it a formidable defense structure. The fort could house up to 70 cannons, with varying calibers, providing significant firepower to protect the city and its residents.

What was the primary reason for building the Castillo de San Marcos?

• To house Spanish governors

• To act as a trading post

• To protect Spanish treasure fleets

• To serve as a royal residence

What material was used to construct the Castillo de San Marcos?

• Sandstone

• Coquina

• Limestone

• Granite

How many wooden fortifications preceded the stone Castillo de San Marcos?

• Eleven

• Five

• Seven

• Nine

Which siege lasted the longest at the Castillo de San Marcos?

• The 1702 British siege

• The 1740 British siege

• The 1812 Patriot War siege

• The 1600 Spanish siege

What was the main reason for the Castillo's undefeated record?

• Its strategic design and armament

• Its large garrison of soldiers

• Its strong stone walls

• Its location on a hill

What is the shape of the Castillo de San Marcos when viewed from above?

• A star

• A turtle

• A circle

• A triangle

What strategic advantage did the bastions of the Castillo provide?

• They served as living quarters

• They were used for ceremonial purposes

• They provided interlocking fields of fire

• They allowed for more storage space

How many cannons could the Castillo de San Marcos accommodate?

• 80

• 70

• 60

• 50

What was the standard load of gunpowder used for a 24-pound cannonball?

• 6 pounds

• 8 pounds

• 10 pounds

• 12 pounds

Which of the following was NOT a type of cannon used at the Castillo?

• 16 Pounder

• 18 Pounder

• 20 Pounder

• 24 Pounder