Catastrophe would strike from 1702-1704, when English raids during Queen Annes War (1702-1713) wiped out the Spanish missions in this region the last of the remaining Timucua would disappear with them. The Smithsonian Institution requests assistance from Mr. Fraser on a similar, but much smaller, project of their own. Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park boasts a muster (or flock) of nearly 30 Indian peafowl. [1], A story of the "Water of Life" appears in the Eastern versions of the Alexander romance, which describes Alexander the Great and his servant crossing the Land of Darkness to find the restorative spring. Towards the end of the day, you might spy a peacock in a tree preparing to roost for the night. The peacocks were very entertaining and beautiful as well. You can find it in Mexico's ultracharming city of San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Instinctively, we latch on to itthis idea that we might never get old, she says. The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is legendary, known as the place where Ponce De Leondiscovered the healing waters that magically maintain your youthful appearance. Make sure to set aside enough time so you can explore the park at your leisure we recommend at least two hours. If you like history,definitely check this out. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a 15-acre waterfront historical attraction, allows visitors to learn about the first Spanish settlers who came here in the 1600s and the native Timucuans who were here to greet them. What is the story behind the Fountain of Youth. For thousands of years, people of all countries have been seeking a mythical fountain of youth. Work crew finds human bones while digging on the Fountain of Youth property. Related: Ways to Experience Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. - See 2,865 traveler reviews, 2,158 candid photos, and great deals for St. Augustine, FL, at Tripadvisor. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body. Here are seven shows like 'Bel-Air' from 'All American' to 'Dear White People' these shows explore race, racism, black excellence, and coming-of-age. The other exhibits at the park were enlightening and I enjoyed the Blacksmith the mostquite fascinating. These waters might have been a river, a spring or any other water-source said to reverse the aging process and to cure sickness when swallowed or bathed in. For arts, culture, and heritage, please visit: For relocation and business information, please visit: Florida's Historic Coast has maintained accreditation by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International since 2008, Mission of Nombre de Dios/Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, If you head south less than a mile on San Marco Avenue, youll come to, Just north of the park is the causeway to. Louella Day MacConnell dies in a car accident on June 23, 1927. 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. [4] Sequene, an Arawak chief from Cuba, purportedly was unable to resist the lure of Bimini and its restorative fountain. No original documents survive from Ponce de Leon's Florida expedition. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park Visit America's First Colony. Learn the history of Ponce de Leons search for the Fountain of Youth. Well of course you have to drink the water!! Called the Mission Nombre de Dios, this mission was begun by Franciscan friars in 1587. Yes Water is the fountain of youth! Ask HappyCamper1728 about Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Ask 922dlp about Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. But the name linked most closely to the search for a fountain of youth is 16th-century Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who allegedly thought it would be found in Florida. Heres why each season begins twice. Blacksmiths were doing a great job of showing their trade. This attraction has been around for a very long time but while a little hokey, it is still a fun place to spend an afternoon or morning. Why did Ponce de Leon look for the Fountain of Youth? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The first Catholic mission in the present-day United States was established on this site. There are 22 peacocks staying . The mail peacocks are showing off for the females! Today, Florida is known as a popular retirement spot for older people from all walks of life. . Stroll beneath large live oaks, rest on a bench, enjoy a picnic under the shade trees, and wander along a 600-foot-long observation platform over the marshes. Walter B. Fraser, a transplant from Georgia who managed McConnell's attraction, then bought the property and made it one of the state's most successful tourist attractions. There is one theory that Spanish historians, writing long after he died in 1521, may have created the story that he was seeking the fountain to make fun of him because he was an old man who wanted to restore his sexual vigor, Smith says. Many historians now think he came ashore about 140 miles (225 kilometers) farther south, near present-day Melbourne, Florida. When does spring start? During outgoing tides, these channels pump cool, mineral-laden fresh water into the pool. We saw a Great Egret and managed to get a beautiful photo with the Great Cross in the distance. Pedro Menendez de Aviles founds the city of St. Augustine at the Timucua village of Seloy, located at todays Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. And they lived together peacefully for a time. Eternal youth is a gift frequently sought in myth and legend, and stories of things such as the philosopher's stone, universal panaceas, and the elixir of life are common throughout Eurasia and elsewhere.[5]. The other exhibits at the park were enlightening and I enjoyed the Blacksmith the mostquite fascinating. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. More archaeological digs on property, prompted by further research by the University of Florida. 11 Magnolia Avenue | St. Augustine, FL USA | Main Phone. Wow! On August 15th Walter B. Fraser purchases the Fountain of Youth properties from Edward McConnell for $100,000 (2017 value of $1,406,816). There is a lot of history to learn if you are willing to take your time to really explore the park. Of course it is not which makes total sense when you really think about the history. For six weeks he skirted the coastline southward past Cape Canaveral, Palm Beach, and Biscayne Bay to the Keys and Tortugas. Where did Ponce de Len Come Ashore? [4], The connection was made in Gonzalo Fernndez de Oviedo y Valds's Historia general y natural de las Indias of 1535,[11] in which he wrote that Ponce de Len was looking for the waters of Bimini to regain youthfulness. In his Memoir he tells of the curative waters of a lost river he calls "Jordan" and refers to de Len looking for it. [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. The natives were probably referring to the area occupied by the Maya. Peacocks everywhere, strutting their stuff. No log of either voyage has survived, and no archaeological footprint has ever been uncovered. In 1535 Gonzalo Fernndez de Oviedo y Valds accused Ponce de Len of seeking the fountain in, Visitors to the park regularly drink the water that flows from the natural spring located there, but, Visitors can drink from its rumored restorative waters at Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archeological Park in St. Augustine. Scripture points to the anti-aging properties available to us through God. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park continues to provide historical accuracy to family fun. I dont know why but I expected the fountain of youth to be an ornate fountain made of gold. Located in the area first explored by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513 and settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, historic St. Augustine is the oldest successful European settlement in the United States. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Join me on My Day Off as we eat lunch at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida at a little gem called Smoked Southern Bbq..and have beautiful pea. There's plenty to do and see near the Ponce De Leon Fountain of Youth. Why are there peacocks at the Fountain of Youth? The power of persuasion in books jaded me. We invite you to visit us for a fascinating, informative, entertaining tour of Ponce de Leons Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, the original site of the Nations oldest city. The park is home to a Discovery Globe, Planetarium, Timucua Indian Exhibit, Spanish cannons, and Native Christian Burial Ground Exhibit. Open 9am - 6pm Daily (Last entry - 5pm) | 904-829-3168BUY TICKETS CONTACT US. [18] She continued to fabricate stories to amuse and appall the city's residents and tourists until her death in a car accident in 1927. The peacocks are quite a site the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine. However, Ponce de Len did not mention the fountain in any of his writings throughout the course of his expedition. [14] Fontaneda had spent seventeen years as an Indian captive after being shipwrecked in Florida as a boy. [19] The first archaeological digs at the Fountain of Youth were performed in 1934 by the Smithsonian Institution. By the time of Ponce de Leon, the land was thought to be located northwest towards the Bahamas (called la Vieja during the Ponce expedition). Maybe, just maybe, there's something to the legend after all. Unauthorized use is prohibited. This brightly hued peacock was adopted due to the increase in colour programming. It's the fabled Fountain of Youth. Which travel companies promote harmful wildlife activities? Eternal youth and beauty are often associated with the theme of water, ever-flowing and infinite, and he believed he may have found such a thing right in Florida. Theres a lot to see and do on the parks scenic 15-acre waterfront grounds. From the peacocks to the canon firing,this really is a must see in St. Augustine! Peafowl In the Park The blue peacock males spread their plumage in order to attract a mate and to warn off other males and the show is stunning but it pales in comparison to the display of the white peacocks, which look like huge snowflakes! Found within the salt water mangrove swamp that covers 6 kilometres (3.7mi) of the shoreline of North Bimini is The Healing Hole, a pool that lies at the end of a network of winding tunnels. Don't just drink and drive away, stay and enjoy everything this park has to offer!!!!!! The Wednesday announcement comes after Guidugli's hire was first . [13] In the Memoir of Hernando d'Escalante Fontaneda in 1575, the author places the restorative waters in Florida and mentions de Len looking for them there; his account influenced Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas' unreliable history of the Spanish in the New World. Our downtown location keeps guests close to favorite sites like the Spanish fort Castillo de San Marcos, and the Mission Nombre de Dios. 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