Archaeology, Culture, History, Historic House, Park, Science, Specialized
Discover The Nation's Oldest Port at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate. In the 16th century the Spanish erected a "centinella" or watchtower on Anatasia Island to protect the city as the Castillo De San Marcos was built. Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse continues to shine its beam over sand and sea. Museum researchers in the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP) perform marine archaeology under the waves, volunteer boat-builders construct replicas of historic watercraft, and educators offer maritime programs for young people. Tourists are invited to climb to the top of our 165-foot working lighthouse for breathtaking views of the city, beaches, and nation’s oldest port.
The First Light Maritime Society is the support organization for the St.