Remains of Old Stone Church have been Found

Archeologist have found the remains of an old stone church which predates the Castillo has been found at the site of the Nombre de Dios mission.

The St. Augustine Record reported, "Long-lost Church Found." And an AP story "Remains of St. Augustine church may predate fort" has appeared in newspapers across Florida and the South.

A more detailed report from the University of Florida, "UF researchers unearth only stone mission church in St. Augustine." This is a press release from those doing the excavating.

A Jacksonville TV-station, channel 4 also reported on the find. Archeologists Find 300-Year-Old Church. There is a video link.

These articles appeared today June 3rd so watch for more to come. Please point out any more detailed reports as comments or new postings.

Could they have found an Old Wooden Fort?

There was an interesting online posting from The St. Augustine Record from January 16. The article posted is titled, "Find could be from the 1500s." The article is by Justine Griffin.

A link to it is: staugustine.com/news/local-news/2011-01-15/find-could-be-1500s

In St. Augustine, digging gets a visit from the city archeologist. It seems that digging anywhere in St. Augustine uncovers some history. Some construction has revealed the foundations of a wooden structure located near the Castillo. The acrheologist calls the dig a big find. There are post-holes, wood stains and artifacts.

What the building was is still to be determine. Check the link above for details.

What do you think it was?

Marker Unveiled to Large Gathering

There were about 50 to 60 Los Floridanos present at the unveiling of the marker which is on the route from the Visitor Center to the Town or the Castillo.

A link to some pictures of the unveiling are at: http://spotted.staugustine.com/photos/index.php?id=1971758&page=1

The reception that followed was welcomed on another hot day in St. Augustine. But it was nice with a view of the renovated Bridge of Lions and a brief presentation by Don Crichlow, City Commissioner, on the significance of the Los Floridanos ancestors and their descendants on the city. The City of St. Augustine is preparing to celebrate 450 years of continuous occupation in just few years.

Update on Marker Unveiling

If you cannot read the announcement, click HERE to view a larger image.

Los Floridanos Heritage Plaque

This email arrived today, May 17th:

The Los Floridanos Historical Society cordially invites all members to attend the dedication of the Los Floridanos Heritage Plaque. The event, sponsored by the City of St. Augustine and hosted by the Los Floridanos Society, is part of the City's historical marker program.

The dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 29, 2010, at 10:30am on the Northeast corner of Cordova and Orange Streets on the grounds of the visitor Center and City Parking Garage Complex. The plaque honors the historical heritage of the descendants of the first Spanish settlers, the Los Floridanos, who were sent to colonize "La Florida".

A reception will follow the dedication at the A1A Ale House on the Bayfront. Please let me know if you plan to attend the dedication and reception. Thanks.

The email came from Thomas T. Rogero

Is this St. Augustine Sanchez one of our family?

Recently, there was a posting on another blog, My Florida History, that featured the Rodriguez-Avero-Sanchez House at 52 St. George Street in St. Augustine

But who is this Juan Sanchez who died in 1801? He isn't in the records that I have collected. Is he from another Sanchez family?

Please comment. Correct me if I am wrong.