When Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles came ashore in 1565 to claim Florida for Spain, he and his crew established the first St. Augustine settlement along the shores of what is now this beautiful park. Local Tip: Check out the view from the 35-foot watchtower and learn about how a light burning in a watchtower led to a fateful raid on the town in 1586 by Sir Francis Drake and his men. The Caribbean islanders described a mythical land of Beimeni or Beniny (whence Bimini), a land of wealth and prosperity, which became conflated with the fountain legend. We saw a Great Egret and managed to get a beautiful photo with the Great Cross in the distance. References: [1] Morris MC, et al. He named it Pascal de Florida which means the feast of flowers. We saw a Great Egret and managed to get a beautiful photo with the Great Cross in the distance. Copyright 2023 St Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau, Discover more in St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Historic Old Attractions in the Old City of St. Augustine, Itinerary: St. Augustine History, From Spanish Influence to Spooky Haunts. No log of either voyage has survived, and no archaeological footprint has ever been uncovered. Why did Ponce de Leon never found the Fountain of Youth? Ways to Experience Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Fountain of Youth & Spring House. ::IM_UNDER_ATTACK_BOX:: Requested URL: www.wheretraveler.com/st-augustine/st-augustines-fountain-youth-fact-or-fiction. Williams. Juan Ponce de Len was a Spanish explorer. Itinerary: St. Augustine History, From Spanish Influence to Spooky Haunts Start with sites from the Old Citys Spanish period and end up in a graveyard. The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is legendary, known as the place where, From 1901 to 1927, she was the one that kind of pushed it into attraction status, Fraser said. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission ticket costs: Adults: $19.95; Seniors $17.95; Children 6-12 $9.95; Children 5 and under Free. The history of the Timucuan Native people, the huts, the burial grounds, all well displayed. The ancient Greek poet Homer called old age "loathsome," and William Shakespeare termed it "hideous winter." Themes of transformations are found in all types of mythologies and folklore. ::CLOUDFLARE_ERROR_500S_BOX:: The legend became particularly prominent in the 16th century, when it became associated with the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Len, the first Governor of Puerto Rico. Towards the end of the day, you might spy a peacock in a tree preparing to roost for the night. Mr. Fraser believed in the historical traditions of the property and sought to secure this sites rightful place in American history. No original documents survive from Ponce de Leon's Florida expedition. So it's not hard to understand why there have always been hopes and rumors that something soon to be discoveredmagic waters, say, or maybe stem cell researchwill do away with old age. 2017 90:e214-e222. His vessels left Puerto Rico on March 3, 1513, and reached the east coast of Florida (which received the name from his landfall on the Easter holiday of Pascua Florida) on April 2, 1513. Archaeological discoveries, including hut foundations and relics, point to Timucua habitation on the site for about 3,000 years. There are also picnic areas and a gift shop available. I dont know why but I expected the fountain of youth to be an ornate fountain made of gold. The peacocks are quite a site the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine. The water was so weak, they said, that nothing would float in it, neither wood, nor any lighter substance, but all went to the bottom. An employee of Mrs. MacConnells re-discovers the cross of coquina, as well as a silver casque containing severely worn documentation that has since been proven to be of a parchment and ink that was contemporary to the era of Ponce de Leons landing in Florida. A scientific breakthrough, the Discovery Globe is touted as one the finest examples of the new emphasis on technologically advanced educational tools in the United States. Dr. Kathy Deagan Teams up with St. Augustine Archaeological Association and find a second barrel well, in that well they discover an olive jar used for storage from the 16th century, a candle holder and a scoop made from a conch. - See 2,865 traveler reviews, 2,158 candid photos, and great deals for St. Augustine, FL, at Tripadvisor. However, Ponce de Len did not mention the fountain in any of his writings throughout the course of his expedition. In his Memoir he tells of the curative waters of a lost river he calls "Jordan" and refers to de Len looking for it. "It's always been interesting and ironic that the site is, in fact, one of the most important historical sites in Florida," Deagan says. Much to the chagrin of the St. Augustine Historical Society and Scientific Institute, Mr. Fraser maintained the property as an attraction to educate the public about Juan Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth. [4] Although the indigenous peoples were probably describing the land of the Maya in Yucatn, the nameand legends about Boinca's fountain of youthbecame associated with the Bahamas instead. It sounds like the Amrita Nectar, the liquid of immortality in the Hinduism Churning of the ocean of milk. Beaches St. Augustine and the surrounding area is home to some of the best beaches in Florida from Ponte Vedra Beach to Crescent Beach and everywhere in between. Where does the Fountain of Youth water come from? On that first expedition to Florida, Ponce de Len explored the coast, including the Florida Keys, and discovered the Gulf Stream, the warm ocean current that would help future Spanish ships maneuver their way home from the New World. Copyrights 2023 All Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. Rumored to be discovered by the Juan Ponce de Len, the Fountain was located within on a mysterious island in the Caribbean . Where, WhereTraveler, WhereTraveler.com and "The Complete Guide to Go" are service marks of Morris Visitor Publications, LLC. You've requested a page on a website (www.wheretraveler.com) that is on the Cloudflare network. Can we bring a species back from the brink? It was this Boinca that originally held a legendary fountain of youth, rather than Bimini itself. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us! Visitors to the park regularly drink the water that flows from the natural spring located there, but there is no evidence that it has any restorative effects. Based on these many legends, explorers and adventurers looked for the elusive Fountain of Youth or some other remedy to aging, generally associated with magic waters. Herrera states that local caciques paid regular visits to the fountain. Pedro Menendez de Aviles founds the city of St. Augustine at the Timucua village of Seloy, located at todays Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. One of TPG's 40 most exciting new hotels opening in 2023 is finally welcoming guests the Numu Boutique Hotel San Miguel de Allende. [8] While it is not known whether any legend about healing waters was widespread among the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, the Italian-born chronicler Peter Martyr attached such a story drawn from ancient and medieval European sources to his account of the 1514 voyage of Juan Diaz de Solis in a letter to the Pope in 1516, though he did not believe the stories and was dismayed that so many others did. The Catholic mission system would grow from its headquarters in St. Augustine, spreading from Tallahassee to the lower sea islands of South Carolina. Dr. Kathy Deagan begins what would end up a 25-year search, through her many excavations at the Fountain of Youth property, to find the site of Pedro Menendez de Aviless original location of St. Augustine. Peacocks everywhere, strutting their stuff. Still, a few grains of truth have helped sustain the story. Mrs. MacConnell begins a quest that will last until her death to verify the find and prove, once and for all, that she owned the site Ponce de Leons fabled Fountain of Youth. Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? This park is loaded with history, well displayed and documented! Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Much to the chagrin of the St. Augustine Historical Society and Scientific Institute, Mr. Fraser maintained the property as an attraction . Learn the history of Ponce de Leons search for the Fountain of Youth. Henry H. Williams purchases a large piece of land just outside of St. Augustine from Paul Arnau for $2,500 (2017 value of $41,533). The male peacock that escaped on Monday was new, only at the park for about two weeks. Whether you visit for an hour or take all day, our 15 waterfront acres will provide you with hours of enjoyment. The history of the Timucuan Native people, the huts, the burial grounds, all well displayed. There are countless indirect sources for the tale as well. Ponces quest was not to settle the new land, but to explore for gold and riches; however, he ultimately claimed La Florida for Spain. Notre Dame has made official its hire of former Cincinnati offensive coordinator Gino Guidugli as the Irish quarterbacks coach. Nature & Parks, Sights & Landmarks, More 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084-2827 Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Save St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour 1,970 Book in advance from $38.47 per adult Check availability View full product details mrsnewberry14 Sheridan, Arkansas 71 141 Peacock heaven Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park The city of St. Augustine, Florida, is home to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a tribute to the spot where Ponce de Len was supposed to have landed according to promotional literature, although there is no historical or archaeological evidence to support the . The Fountain of Youth is a mythical spring which allegedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters. Alexander the Great, who conquered most of the known world before he died around 323 B.C., may have been looking for a river that healed the ravages of age. Stories of similar waters also featured prominently among the people of the Caribbean during the Age of Exploration (early 16th century); they spoke of the restorative powers of the water in the mythical land of Bimini. FOYexplorer, Manager at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, responded to this review. Herrera adds that the Spaniards had unsuccessfully searched every "river, brook, lagoon or pool" along the Florida coast for the legendary fountain.[15]. Among the wildlife youll encounter are peacocks and native birds. We wonder how you could spend any time here at all and say "not much to see" , when we have shows, presentations, interpretations, demonstrations, exhibits, wildlife, lush landscaping and natural flora, waterfront views ,and multiple observation areas spread out over 15 acres. Annual Events Floridas Historic Coast has an annual calendar chock full of events that appeal to a wide variety of interests. Pacetti, an employee of H.H. But he had to . It was shocking to learn that the bones of deceased were on display for many years before recommittal to the ground in the 90's. All rights reserved. Native Americans, known today as the Timucua, begin to occupy the region that spreads from present-day Central Florida to Southwest Georgia. The mail peacocks are showing off for the females! The people in the pool are youthful and naked, and after a while they leave it, and are shown fashionably dressed enjoying a courtly party, sometimes including a meal. There are three species within the peacock family; two of which reside naturally in Asia and one in the African Congo. Of course it is not which makes total sense when you really think about the history. [14] Fontaneda had spent seventeen years as an Indian captive after being shipwrecked in Florida as a boy. Augustine historical Society and Scientific Institute, mr. Fraser believed in the African Congo the peacock family ; of. To a wide variety of interests its headquarters in St. Augustine take all day, our 15 waterfront acres provide... Known today as the Irish quarterbacks coach people, the huts, the huts, the burial,. From Ponce de Leon never found the Fountain of Youth to Southwest Georgia See 2,865 traveler reviews 2,158... In American history mythical spring which allegedly restores the Youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in waters... Pascal de Florida which means the feast of flowers roost for the tale as well Guidugli as the Timucua begin! 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