Page 20 - OCL October 2017 Old City Life Magazine

For thousands of years, civilization the Fountain of Youth. “The front of the park peacocks, to the daily cannon firings, to the
has narrated the story of the Fountain of Youth. A magical spring exists – it’s been said – that will
restore the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters.
Imagine for a few moments what it would be like to have the wisdom that comes with age and the vitality and exuberance that comes with youth. And there you have the motivation and driving force behind Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon’s exploration of Florida in 1513.
In fact, Ponce de Leon was so obsessed with finding the vitality-restoring waters that he set sail from Puerto Rico and ultimately landed – as many historians believe – on the coastline of St. Augustine in what is now known as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.
“The park itself has a fascinating duality,” says Kit Keating, communications manager for
commemorates the landing of Ponce de Leon over 500 years ago. It is also a perfect example of a roadside attraction that pre-dates the giant mouse that ate Florida.”
Keating is referring to Disney World, of course.
With a colorful and captivating history dating back more than five centuries, the Fountain
of Youth has remained a favorite place to explore in the Nation’s Oldest City
– seeing approximately 175,000 visitors per year. It’s also Florida’s oldest attraction with signed guest books dating back to 1867.
From the park’s legendary muster of
re-creation of the Timucuan Village of Seloy, Fountain of Youth has a bit of something for everyone. So, starting in 1513 with Ponce de Leon’s discovery of an artesian spring thought to bring eternal youth, here is a rundown of the park’s history:
20 GUEST ADVANTAGE 2017