This fort, built of coquina as well, is so much smaller that four of it would fit into the Castillo's courtyard without touching. But it was a vital early-warning and defense post on the southern water approach. The name Matanzas derives from the fate of hundreds of French soldiers led by Jean Ribault who were swept south in a 1565 hurricane while going to attack St. Augustine. They were caught by Spanish forces led by the city's founder, Gen. Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who ordered them slain 10 at a time. Matanzas is Spanish for slaughters.
Visitors reach the little fort on Rattlesnake Island via a free ferry running once an hour.
Rangers conduct tours of the tower, and visitors can climb to the observation deck, see the officers' and soldiers' quarters, and check out the powder magazine. Built between 1740-1742, Fort Matanzas became a U.S. possession in 1821. But it deteriorated into a cracked ruin and sprouted trees. Restoration didn't begin until after it and the Castillo were named national monuments in 1924. The Fort Matanzas grounds also feature nature trails, including a handicapped-accessible boardwalk, as well as places to fish, picnic, and hike.