Hi All,
Saint John's bluff has been a strategic high point near the mouth of the St Johns River for over 450 years. Less than a mile beyond Fort Caroline is the site of a Spanish American war gun battery.
It is still private property but the National Park Service is working with the North Florida Land Trust to acquire the site and add it to the Timucuan Preserve.
Jacksonville was the center of planning for our planned invasion of Cuba. Construction of this gun battery, begun in 1898, was part of this preparation.
These gun mounts were designed for 2-8" recoilless cannon.
The magazine was behind four foot walls.
During a battle, the steel door would be closed and the rounds would be passed through the big hole.
Here's the 12' X 17' magazine.
The roof of the magazine.
Here's a wide view of the gun emplacements and magazine entrance.
It took about two years to complete the gun battery. Since the war only lasted ten weeks and Spain never attacked Jacksonville, the guns were never fired in anger.
The property has great views across the river and is priced far above its historic value. Anyone wishing to help contribute to the $400,000 cost, let us know😃.'
Love,
Sandy & Carl
Sandy & Carl
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502
Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone
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