On Saturday, June 2, 2012, English pirates lead by Sir Francis Drake will once again decende on St. Augustine in an authentic re-creation of Drake’s Raid of 1586. Back then, Drake’s 23 ships and 2,000 Englishmen attacked the city with cannons from Anastasia Island. The next day, they stormed through the streets and burned St. Augustine to the ground. The re-enactment of Drake’s Raid is one of these great events when history comes alive.
Camp Life at the Fountain of Youth
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can visit the 16th century encampment at the Fountain of Youth Park, 11 Magnolia Avenue. Here you have the opportunity to watch military drills and the re-enactors will also have demonstrations of camp life.
Street Fights in the Old City
In the evening at 7 p.m., the running battle will begin at the Old City Gate and then head south on St. George Street to the Plaza de la Constitucion. Spanish soldiers and St. Augustine townspeople will attempt to stop the English assault. This is a free event, so there is no admission to visit the encampment or watch the authentic re-creation of the sack of St. Augustine.
For more information on the re-enactment of Drake’s Raid, call 904.824.9823. 