Ancient City Tours

02/25/2025

Today, we share a post about three of the most well-known cemeteries in St. Augustine, the State of Florida, and, maybe, the United States…

The Tolomato Cemetery is the Catholic cemetery inside the City Gate. Gravestones date back to the early 1700s. It is said to be one of the most haunted locations in the world.

The Huguenot Cemetery was created for all of the non-Catholics. It’s located just across the street from the City Gate. Only Catholics were permitted to be buried inside the walls of St. Augustine.

The last few pictures are from the Veterans Cemetery, located right next to the Florida National Guard Headquarters building.

We’d love the opportunity to share these cemeteries with you, but there’s one very important thing to remember…. We DO NOT have permission to enter the Tolomato or Huguenot Cemeteries. SMALL groups may enter the Veterans Cemetery. These rules are from the city and we don’t have control over them…Sorry…

If you’d like to learn more about the history of each of these cemeteries or most any other site in St. Augustine, just give our Guest Experience Team a call! We’ll assist with setting a unique itinerary just for your group! We’re here to take care of everything for your students, family, friends, or business group! We’ve got you covered with Transportation, Attraction Tickets, Meals, Hotels, and More!! We can help with single or multiple day trips! Our professional, trained, and licensed tour guides are waiting to work with your team!! Give us a call today!!

By The Way - We can also set up tours for your group with our partner company, A Ghostly Encounter. Their Ghost Hosts are more than ready to share the ghostly historic stories throughout St. Augustine. We share a phone number, so you can book either or both. Just let our team know!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

02/23/2025

02/20/2025

In between the Villa Zorayda Museum and the Casa Monica Hotel, you’ll find the Lightner Museum. The building was originally built by Henry Flagler, in 1887, to be the second of Mr. Flagler’s grand hotels, the Alcazar. The hotel served the wealthy clientele of Mr. Flagler who were able to come south in the winter months through the use of Mr. Flagler’s railroad, The Florida East Coast Railroad. After many years of service, the Alcazar closed its doors in 1932.

Fast forward to 1946. The building is purchased by Mr. Otto Lightner. Mr. Lightner, from Chicago, was the owner and editor-in-chief of Hobbies Magazine. Hobbies Magazine focused primarily on collectibles. The building was used as a warehouse for Mr. Lightner’s collections for about two years before opening as the Lightner Museum in 1948. There are exhibits throughout the year including a number of exhibits focused on The Guilded Age.

The building also hosts a number of businesses and offices including the space once known as the world’s largest indoor swimming pool at the time it was built. It is now the Alcazar Pool Cafe, serving lunch every day in the refurbished space. No water anymore…unless you’d like some with lunch.

To learn more about the Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum, or other St. Augustine history and culture, give our Guest Experience Team a call. Our trained, professional, licensed tour guides are ready, willing, and able to lead a truly unique experience for your students, family, friends, or business associates. We’ll help set up ever you’ll need - Transportation, Attraction Tickets, Meals, Hotels, and More! Just let our team know what your interests include and we’ll help you make it happen for both single and multiple day trips. Give Ancient City Tours a call TODAY!!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

02/19/2025

Please help us wish ACT guide DAN a Happy Birthday!

02/18/2025

The Markland Plantation, Bridge of Lions, Ponce de Leon Statue, and Flagpole in the Plaza de la Constitucion area all have something in common - Dr. Andrew Anderson II.

Dr. Anderson’s father, Dr. Andrew Anderson Sr., laid the cornerstone of the Markland Plantation. Unfortunately, Dr. Anderson Sr. passed away shortly after during the Yellow Fever epidemic, leaving Andrew II and his mother, Clarissa, to move into a much smaller, scaled back version of the home.

As he grew, Andrew Anderson II became Dr. Andrew Anderson II, personal physician for Henry Flagler, a Mayor of St. Augustine, and benefactor to the community. The Markland Plantation home is now part of the Flagler College Campus. Dr. Anderson II sold the land east of the home to Henry Flagler. Mr. Flagler turned that land into the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar Hotels.

Dr. Anderson II donated the flagpole to be built as a memorial to those from the area who paid the ultimate price during World War I. He also donated the life size statue of Ponce de Leon and the lions at the base of the Bridge of Lions to the city. St. Augustine would definitely have been a much different place without the generosity of Dr. Andrew Anderson II. By the way, the Anderson family is still going strong in St. Augustine!!

If you’re looking for more information about the influence of Dr. Andrew Anderson II, or any other historic figures in St. Augustine, give our Guest Experience Team a call!! We’ll be happy to help you set a unique, individualized itinerary to see St. Augustine in the way that suits you best! We’ll take care of everything for your students, family and friends, or business associates - Transportation, Attraction Tickets, Meals, Hotels, and More!! We’re ready to work with single or multiple day trips. Our trained, professional tour guides are here to make your St. Augustine adventure memorable, educational…and FUN!! Give us a call today!!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day from Ancient City Tours!!

What else could we possibly highlight on this date besides the Love Tree!! Yup…You read that right!! The Love Tree!! This is a Live Oak tree…but, if you look closely, you’ll see there is a Palm growing out of the center of the tree.

As you might expect, there is a little story that goes with this tree (there are actually 6 Love Trees in St. Augustine). According to local legend, a man and woman fell in love and planted their favorite trees right next to each other. The man planted the strong, unwavering Oak, while the woman planted the beautiful and always giving Palm. The man passed away and, shortly after, the woman joined him for eternity. The two trees grew together as one.

Now, it is said if you kiss the person (or people) you love underneath the Love Tree, you too will be together throughout eternity…. Just one reminder parents…Eternity is a Very Long Time…

If you’re interested in learning more of the truths and legends of St. Augustine, give our Guest Experience Team a call. We’ll help you develop your own unique itinerary to share St. Augustine with your family, friends, students, or business associates. We take care of everything you need - Transportation, Attraction Tickets, Meals, Hotels, and More!! Our guides are professional, trained, and licensed - The Best In Town!! We look forward to hearing from you!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

02/03/2025

Celebrating a birthday today is our very own, Jennifer! Whether you’ve met Jen guiding a history tour for us or experienced one of “Madame Jennifer” amazing ghost tours, we guarantee you’ve had a great experience. Please join us in wishing Jennifer the best on her special day!

🎥: JR
🎶: “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, Guns N’ Roses
We don’t own the rights.

02/02/2025

Well, you’ve undoubtedly seen it if you’ve been to St. Augustine. In fact, you’ve probably parked in it if you’ve been to St. Augustine. It’s the Historic Parking Garage!! But, it was previously the location of the San Marco Hotel, the first high-end hotel in St. Augustine. Built in 1885 by Isaac Cruft, the San Marco became a destination for the rich and famous…including Mr. Henry Flagler. In fact, after his stay at the San Marco, Mr. Flagler decided St. Augustine had enough potential for him to build more hotels and a train route.

The second and third pictures are of the Renaissance Hotel, right across the street from the parking garage. This hotel was originally designed to mimic the appearance of the San Marco. However, after some challenges, the appearance was adjusted to include some other aspects of popular, upscale hotels of the time period.

Turning this post in a different direction…The last picture is of the Sabal Palms right next to the hotel. Sabal Palms are the state tree of Florida, but they were also an important source of food for many early settlers. They would chop the tops off of the palms, dig out the insides, and mix it with some spring water. If they were lucky, maybe the settlers would some salted pork to add to the mixture as well. This became known as Swamp Cabbage.

There’s history on every corner in St. Augustine. When you’re ready to see and learn more, give us a call at Ancient City Tours. We’ll take care of all your needs for your students, family and friends, or business associates. We have got everything covered - Transportation, Attraction Tickets, Meals, Hotels, and More!! Our professional, trained tour guides are ready to create the most memorable experience for your group. Give us a call!!

02/01/2025

WHOA! Become a ghost tour guide?!? Sign me up!

Our sister company, A Ghostly Encounter, is looking to add to our already impressive selection of ghost tour guides. If you have a love for all things spooky, give us a call and we’ll tell you all about it. Call 904-827-0807 or stop by our office (12 St George Street) in the heart of beautiful, downtown St Augustine today!

01/23/2025

There is so much to see just in the Plaza de la Constitucion area alone, let alone the rest of St. Augustine!! One of my very favorite, rarely discussed, monuments in the Plaza is the tall white monument (or obelisk) in the center of the western side. That is the Spanish Constitution Monument. In 1812, Spain declared themselves to be a constitutional government and ordered all Spanish towns throughout the world to build monuments and rename the central plaza La Plaza de la Constitucion. The constitutional monument was built in St. Augustine in 1813. However, in 1814, word reached St. Augustine the Spanish constitutional government had been overthrown. This led to another Royal Decree ordering all constitutional monuments throughout the world to be destroyed. It is believed the monument in St. Augustine is the only remaining, unaltered monument in the world.

To learn more about the amazing history on every street corner and plaza in St. Augustine, just give our Guest Experience Team a call!! We set you up with your own specialized, individual group itinerary covering every aspect of every day during your visit. We’ll help with meals, transportation, attraction tickets, hotels, and more! We look forward to sharing our love of the oldest, continuously occupied, European settlement in the United States with your students, family, friends, and business associates!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

01/22/2025

Next time you get to visit the Fountain of Youth, make sure you spend a few minutes in the Spring House. Don’t just taste the water though…Take a look down…. You’ll see the historic “1513 Cross”. The cross is made of Coquina - 15 blocks long and 13 stones wide. That cross has been unearthed, reburied, and unearthed again several times over the years. The “1513 Cross” is just one of many things to see and do at the Fountain of Youth.

If you’d like to learn more about the cross, the Fountain of Youth, or other historic sites and events in St. Augustine, give our Guest Experience Team a call today!! They’re ready to get your student field trip, family and friends reunion, or business get-together scheduled to meet your individual needs. Your specialized group itinerary will include everything you need - transportation, meals, attraction tickets, hotel arrangements, and more. Our team can help with one-day and multi-day visits. Just let us know what your looking to do and how we can help.

☎️ (904) 827-0807

01/20/2025

Today, we honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

Lincolnville is a historically African-American area. Named for President Abraham Lincoln, this neighborhood was very important during the Civil Rights Movement. On June 9, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested along with Reverend Andrew Young in St. Augustine during a protest march from Lincolnville to the Plaza de la Constitucion.

The ACCORD Civil Rights Museum building was originally the dental office of Dr. Robert Hayling, who was not only a dentist, but also a civil rights activist. The next two pictures are the home of Ms. Cora Tyson. Ms. Tyson’s family hosted Dr. King during his visit in 1964. It was not unusual for Dr. King to move to several locations during his visits for his safety. Ms. Tyson still lives in the same home. She is now 101 years old.

The Trinity Independent Church was established in 1821 as the Trinity United Methodist Church. After the Civil War, the church was divided based on race. The current church has been in this location since the early 1900s.

The last picture is one of the many Victorian homes in the Lincolnville area. Currently, this home has been turned into a restaurant called Preserved. At one time, the building was home to the great-granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, Maria Jefferson Shine.

This just barely scratches the surface of the incredible history of the Lincolnville neighborhood.

If you’d like to add Lincolnville to your “to-do list” when visiting St. Augustine, just give our Guest Experience Team a call. We’ll help you put together the perfect itinerary for your students, family and friends, or business group to experience St. Augustine the way you’d like. We’ll take care of everything - Transportation, Attraction Tickets, Meals, Hotels, and More. Our professional, trained, licensed tour guides are ready to share our beautiful, historic city! Call Today!!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

01/19/2025

If you stand at the intersection of St. George St. and Hypolita St., look west down Hypolita toward Flagler College. This section of St. Augustine is known as the Minorcan Quarter.

The Minorcans were a diverse group that included many Greeks and Italians who came to Florida to work as indentured servants on an indigo plantation about 70 miles south of St. Augustine. Unfortunately, the plantation failed. When it did, the man who owned the plantation, Andrew Turnbull, packed up his belongings and left. This forced the Minorcans to fend for themselves. Luckily, the Minorcans had a very strong religious leader named Father Pedro Camps. Father Camps led them up to St. Augustine to resettle.

It is really because of the Minorcans that St. Augustine is the longest, continuously occupied, European settlement in the United States. There would have been some gaps in time between the Spanish, the British, and eventually, the Americans with nobody living here. But, the Minorcans decided to stay no matter who was running this city.

There is a statue of Father Camps standing next to the Cathedral Basilica on St. George Street.

We love sharing all of our history with our guests. We’re looking forward to having the opportunity to share with your students, family, or business associates. All you need to do to get more information about having one of our friendly, talented, licensed tour guides lead your group through the fun and interesting history of St. Augustine is give our Guest Experience Team a call. We’ll be happy to help you decide the best itinerary for your group. We can help take care of all of your needs including attraction tickets, transportation, meals, hotels, and more.

We can’t wait to hear from you!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

01/17/2025

Most people know of the famous Bridge of Lions. Located directly across from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you will see the Bridge of Lions. The lion statues are constructed from Carrara marble, the same marble used to build Michelangelo’s David. The bridge connects old St. Augustine to Anastasia Island crossing the Matanzas Bay. The lions do have names - “Firm” and “Faithful”.

The lions were donated to St. Augustine in 1927 by Dr. Andrew Anderson II. Dr. Anderson was Henry Flagler’s personal physician, a mayor of St. Augustine, and a great benefactor of the city. In fact, Dr. Anderson also donated the flagpole sitting across the street from the bridge. That flagpole is the St. Augustine World War I Memorial and it is located in the area now known as “Anderson Circle”.

Our professional, trained, licensed tour guides would love the opportunity to share more about the history and culture of St. Augustine with your school, family, or business group. To learn more about the possibilities for your group’s individualized itinerary, contact our Group Experience Team. We can help you with everything you’ll need - transportation, meals, attraction tickets and more. We’ll even assist with your hotel for multi-day visits.

☎️ (904) 827-0807

01/15/2025

Much of St. Augustine’s history involves religion in one way or another. These two churches are exactly one block apart and are both right next to Flagler College.

The first church - the one with the beautiful terra cotta colored arches - is the Grace United Methodist Church. When Henry Flagler was looking for a location for his second grand hotel, he found the perfect spot!! Unfortunately, there was already a church on that location. Mr. Flagler got together with the church leadership, and they reached an agreement. Mr. Flagler agreed to build a brand new church for the Methodists. In return, the Methodists agreed to give Mr. Flagler the old church’s property. So, Mr. Flagler built the Grace United Methodist Church at a cost of roughly $85,000.

The second church - the yellow brick building - is the Ancient City Baptist Church. When the Baptist community saw the Grace United Methodist Church, they approached Henry Flagler to ask if he would build them a church too. His answer?? No… But, Mr. Flagler gave the property to the Baptists (a value of about $5,000) under a few conditions. First, there could not be a mortgage on the property. Second, the church construction had to be done in no longer than two years. Finally, there could never be a bell in the bell tower.

That is just scratching the surface of the vast history in St. Augustine involving churches and Henry Flagler.

To learn more about this amazing history, give our Guest Experience Team a call today!! We’d love to help you create your own, unique itinerary. That will give you the greatest flexibility to share St. Augustine with your students, family and friends, or business associates they way you’d like. We’ll get you set with everything you’ll need - Transportation, Meals, Attraction Tickets, Hotels, and More. Our team of professionally trained and licensed tour guides is anxiously standing by to take you on an unforgettable journey.

☎️ (904) 827-0827

01/11/2025

Did you know St. Augustine has been attacked by pirates 22 times in our history…so far?? One of the favorite spots for family and school groups is The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum!! You’ll find over 650 exhibits inside including one of the last three known real Jolly Roger flags, the last surviving actual pirate treasure chest, and an entire room of props from pirate movies. In fact, Johnny Depp arrived at the museum in full Captain Jack Sparrow attire to deliver Captain Sparrow’s sword. Some of the pirates of today are available to share our pirate history with your students, family reunion, or business outing group.

All you have to do is pick up the phone and speak with one of our amazing Guest Experience Team members to set up your specialized group itinerary. We’ll take care of everything including transportation, meals, attraction tickets, and more. Our trained, friendly, licensed tour guides will be with your group every step of the way to help your group get the most out of your visit!

☎️ (904) 827-0807

01/07/2025

You may (or may not) have noticed this tiny, fort-like structure standing between the downtown parking garage and Potter’s Wax Museum. These are a few pictures of the Santo Domingo Redoubt. After the city of St. Augustine had been attacked numerous times, the attack of 1702 by the English, led by Governor James Moore, burned St. Augustine to the ground. This was so devastating to the Spanish they decided enough was enough and started building a wall around St. Augustine in 1704.

The Santo Domingo Redoubt was one of nine fortifications built around the wall to provide additional protection against enemy attacks. The cutouts in the redoubt were placed to allow the Spanish to have cannons at the ready.

Don’t miss out on the little things around town. Contact our Guest Experience Team to schedule in-depth tours of St. Augustine for your school, family reunion, or organizational gathering. Our professional tour guides are all licensed experts who are excited to have the chance to work with your group.

☎️ (904) 827-0807