Hispanic America USA
Colonial America USA
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Fort Matanzas, Florida

Fort Matanzas National Monument is an important reminder of Spain's
power and prestige in Florida. It's shellstone walls represent struggles for
dominance which began in the sixteenth century.

Almost 200 years before the construction of the masonry fort at
Matanzas inlet an incident occurred near
(perhaps within) Fort Matanzas national Monument which began
Spanish control of Florida for 235 years.

A watchtower was built so the town could be warned of an
attack from the British. The watchtower was not armed with
cannons and could not defend the inlet. A small, armed, vessel
was often staged at Matanzas to provide the additional defense.

In 1740, British troops laid siege to St. Augustine. The strategic
importance of Matanzas inlet was proven by the events which
occurred during that attack.  On July 13, after a month of siege,
the Spanish estimated that supplies would last only two more weeks
at half rations.  Supply ships from Havana reached Mosquito
inlet, 60 miles south of St. Augustine, but were unable to reach
St. Augustine due to blockading British vessels.  In a daring move
the Spanish sent five shallow-draft vessels to bring
food through Matanzas inlet.  

At 4 o'clock in the afternoon the Spanish vessels encountered two
British sloops outside the inlet. 

The Spanish fought their way out. hugged the coast, exchanging
fire with the British boats until nightfall ensured their escape.

Later in the night the five vessels returned with over 1,000
bushels of flour, and entered Matanzas inlet without incident
because the British sloops had been withdrawn,
a week later the siege was lifted.