its defenses. American settlers began penetrating the Southeast after the Revolution, settling deeper into Georgia and into the Mississippi and Alabama Territories. General Andrew Jackson led some raids into this area during the Seminole Wars and had his forces seize the fort in 1818. The U.S. occupied it for nearly a year. The Fort St. Marks military cemetery was established at that time, for the burial of men who died at the garrison. A total of 19 men were buried in the cemetery; most died from diseases, including dysentery and consumption. In 1821, the United States purchased the Floridas from Spain, including the fort site. In 1859, the federal government built a marine hospital here, using stones and other materials from the old fort. It provided care for sick seamen and area yellow fever victims. During the Civil War, the Confederate army took over the fort, after Florida seceded from the Union. U.S. forces regained control in 1865, in the last year of the war. Remains of the stone fort are in evidence at the site. A museum and visitor center have been built on the foundation of the old hospital. A stone well and a retaining wall have been reconstructed nearby, based on archeological documentation. Recreational activities The park has such amenities as hiking and picnicking areas. See also St. Marks, Florida Apalachee Bay St. Marks River Wakulla River Wakulla County, Florida - This article says Fort San Marcos was captured, early in the 19th century, by William Augustus Bowles of the short-lived State of Muskogee. Negro Fort References Gallery External links San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park at Florida State Parks San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, at Explore Southern History, includes detailed information and photos of the park Archaeological sites in Florida State parks of Florida Ward National Historic Landmarks in Florida Spanish colonization of the Americas Spanish Florida Parks in Wakulla County, Florida Museums in Wakulla County, Florida Military and war museums in Florida History museums in Florida Protected areas established in 1966 Florida Native American Heritage Trail National Register of Historic Places in Wakulla County, Florida 1966 establishments in Florida Archaeological sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida