The Fraser family, owners of Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, reported to Historic City News that on Friday, October 2nd, a donation was made of over 20 copies of Dr. J. Michael Francis’ book “St. Augustine, A Story of Unbroken History and Enduring Spirit”, to the 7 branches of the St. Johns County public library.
The book is a tour de force narrative of St. Augustine’s history, a compelling tale of exploration, adaptation, innovation and enduring spirit.
“This donation helps to spread the knowledge of our Nation’s Oldest City, and the unique role the Fountain of Youth plays in that story,” according to John W. Fraser, Managing Director of the Fountain of Youth.
Founded in 1565 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on the grounds of what is now Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the settlement remained part of Spain’s vast overseas empire for more than two hundred years.
Its earliest residents endured periods of food shortages, pirate raids, sieges, fires and floods. Yet the city survived, supported by a remarkably diverse population of Europeans, both free and enslaved Africans, and Native Americans. This book is an integral addition to the library collection.
The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15-acre historic site and attraction filled with history, archaeology and Old Florida charm. It is Florida’s Oldest Attraction, and it commemorates the Florida landing of Ponce de Leon in 1513 and his quest for the legendary Fountain of Youth. It is archaeologically significant as the original site of the Timucuan Indian village of Seloy for over 3000 years and as the original site of Pedro Menendez de Aviles’ St. Augustine settlement in September of 1565. This site was established 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and 42 years before the founding of Jamestown. It is also the location of the 1587 Mission Church of Nombre de Dios, the first Franciscan Mission Church in the United States, as well as the 1565 site of the First Muster of militiamen in the United States. The Park now has a beautiful statue of Pedro Menéndez de Aviles.
Discover more from HISTORIC CITY NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.