ST. AUGUSTINE Fla. — In the heart of St. Augustine, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park marks the spot where legend says Ponce de León searched for eternal youth.
Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the state’s early history through archaeology, native culture and centuries-old stories.
When you think of St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth…
Here at one of the state’s oldest tourist attractions is a glimpse into Florida’s ancient past, where its history is brought to life.
Like the country’s first Catholic mission located in St. Augustine.
“It is the reconstruction of the first successful Catholic mission in the continental United States,” said Shane Ohara, tour guide at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Missionaries came to the spot serving as a military and religious base for Spain.
They aimed to gain a foothold in North America and convert native populations to Christianity — Native Americans known as the Timucua.
“This would be 4,000 years prior to 1565. And Saint Augustine is established by the Spanish,” said tour guide Anthony Cappel.
Guests at the Fountain of Youth can visit burial grounds and marked sites of early structures, where archaeologists uncovered Timucua remains, artifacts from 1565 and the first Spanish fort.
“There is a burial ground that they found in the 1930s. And those are all Catholic burials of the Timucua people,” said Cappel.
One after another, people line up — of all ages — to taste the famous fountain.
Pets are no exception, as many bring their dogs.
Many guests who come to the park have been there before.
Karyn Berger visited the place in 1976.
She believes the fountain is a state of mind.
“The fountain of youth is what you make of it, what you believe in yourself,” said Berger, visiting from North Carolina
Guests learn from guides about the explorer — but in a story lacking evidence he was truly in search of the Fountain of Youth.
“So, this would have been a natural meeting spot for them to move to essentially free or interact with Ponce de León. We have no record of the conversation between the headman or the chief of the village and Ponce,” said tour guide Elizabeth Lynch.
The park features historical presentations, roaming peacocks and a rich blend of Native, foreign and American cultures that left behind many mysteries.
Admission to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is $22.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for kids under 5.
Randy Rauch
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