Share this!

This past weekend, history lovers from 22 different families, some spanning 3 generations, gathered in St. Augustine, Florida for our sold-out Pirates, Presidents, Conquistadors and More! Tour. Amidst sunny skies and ocean breezes, we visited the oldest masonry fort in the U.S.A. — Castillo de San Marcos, as well as the Huguenot settlement in Jacksonville, the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park and the largest Pirate Museum in the country. We concluded at Olustee, where we watched the reenactment of the largest Civil War battle in Florida.

Immersed in captivating accounts by historian Bill Potter, old friendships were deepened and new ones were forged. Friday evening we had two special treats as a dear family provided dinner for the group and Col. John Eidsmoe surprised us with a fascinating lecture on the Conquistadors via video chat! Throughout the weekend, we were instructed and inspired by the stories of extraordinary explorers, brave soldiers, devout settlers and colorful characters.


Creative and delicious — courtesy of the Sheats family!


Mr. Potter sets the stage opening night


Manning the wall at the Castillo de San Marcos


Wish you were here!


New friends at the Fountain of Youth Park


More friends with the cannons of the USS Constitution — “Old Ironsides”


Exploring the settlements at Fountain of Youth Park


Recounting the massacred Huguenot colony at Fort Caroline


Col. John Eidsmoe talks Conquistadors via video chat!


At the Pirate Museum!


Quizzing the pirates


Preparing to embark to Olustee


Largest Civil War battle fought in Florida


Reenactors advance across the battlefield at Olustee


Share this!