Castillo de San Marcos, National Monument, St Augustine, Florida, USA

This is inspired by the historical representation behind the fort. This is the oldest masonry structure in the United States today. It is composed of soft limestone and broken seashells. In the year 1672 – 1695 the Spainards had been at war with France. The Spaniards had claimed property in St’ Augustine, Florida, as well as the French. This engaged both countries to battle claiming the land. Spaniards withstood heavy cannon balls being fired directly from the French. The fort securely saved Spaniards living in St Augustine.  You can still observe embedded cannon ball markings in the walls giving the fort conviction and a deeper understanding of our history.  The cannon balls had Reco shaded off the limestone and seashell walls.  The cannon balls could not penetrate through the fort. The Spaniards had been unaware and fortunate that the composites in the structure offered protection.  People from all around the world visit this location and stand in front of the National Monument in awe. My observation is a feeling the fort is equivalent to a temple. The walls hold something greater and larger than oneself. That one is not just an observer but also plays a role in history. After all we are only 500 years young.