Excursion into the history of the place: corners of the park

In 1513, Columbus’s satellite and associate, the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, was heading for the mysterious Bimini Islands - the modern Bahamas. And not just with a thirst for discovering new lands, but under the impression of the Indian legend about the miracle source of life-giving power. He heard her in Puerto Rico, where he was already famous as the founder and governor of the first European settlement.

It is believed that the adventurer Ponce de Leon is not without reason carried away by this story . He heard similar legends in his homeland: the cultural exchange of Spaniards with the Arab East affected. The most popular was the Muslim version of Alexander the Great and his soldiers who were able to cross the Land of Darkness and find the coveted spring. And in Puerto Rico, on the other side of the ocean, Ponce de Leon seemed to finally be convinced: The Fountain of Youth exists!

Historians studying the development of American territories today reasonably believe that Ponce de Leone sailed to the shores of the green islands not at all for living water, but for the plant from which the natives mined aphrodisiacs. His goal was quite utilitarian — to cash in on its sales. But there are descriptions of his travels, where the priorities of the valiant conquistador are land grabbing and gold mining to the glory of the Spanish crown. And although for Bimini, Ponce de Leon took a completely different land, the name " la tierra florida" from his mouth remained forever. And later founded there, San Agustin is the oldest American city of St. Augustine.

The natural beauty of the place known as Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, as in the days of Spanish expeditions, fascinates travelers. The aroma of tropical plants, birds trills perfectly complement the architectural exhibits of the colonial past. There are a lot of mineral water sources in the park, and they are all incredibly popular, especially among retirement visitors. But no one will say for sure which of them is the true source of youth.

Perhaps, Ponsa de Leon still grasped this secret, and now he is only looking at those who are eager to rejuvenate from a bronze pedestal. The central path of the park leads to the monument to the legendary discoverer.

Interesting facts about the Fountain of Youth

• There is a version that the name "Florida" goes back to "Pascua Florida". So the Spaniards of the conquest era called Easter week, on which they set foot on unknown land.
• The legend of the Fountain of Youth and Pons de Leon is told to tourists on Northern Bimini, a large island in the Bahamas archipelago, 80 km from Florida. Many believe that it is the spring sought by the Spaniard — the Healing Grotto, located in the mangrove forest.

But to get acquainted with this beautiful legend, and at the same time the history of the discovery of Florida is better with the sights of the city of St. Augustine, ordering tours from American Butler!

Visit the Fountain of Youth in Florida.