The Bridge of Lions and St. Augustine Harbor has always fascinated me ever since we went over the Matanzas River back in 2005. One thing that really hurt this investigation was that due to the bridges unsafe structure it has been just about completely removed and a new concrete bridge is in its place.

The bridge at one time was an old wooden toll bridge built in 1895 which served as the only access to Anastasia Island from downtown St. Augustine. At that time Henry Flagler developed the town as a major resort for the leisure traveler. They say his vision began the golden ere for St. Augustine. But like any place once the tourist start to it it encourages bridges, airports, trolleys etc.

In 1904 the wood bridge accommodated an electric trolley line. That of course was eventually removed and in 1925 a more modern higher quality bridge would be built that would complement the city. The bridge of Lions opened to traffic in 1927 and connected Anastasia Island with downtown St. Augustine. This bridge was a draw bridge and would allow boats to pass. In 1982 the bridge was listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.

In the 1970's mechanical and structural repairs were made and the 80s were spent on landscape renovations surrounding the bridge as visitors would roll into town. I was lucky enough to drive over the Bridge Of Lions before it went threw major changes. At this moment in time the north towers are removed and on the south side the towers remain along with half of the old wood bridge. But most of it has been disassembled on both sides and the new concrete structure is almost complete.

Saint Augustine is the oldest European Settlement in the continent. Don Pedro Menendez De Aviles colonized this area in 1565 under the orders of King Phillip II of Spain. But besides Spain occupying the area the French and British also did until in 1821 Spain sold Florida to the United States. 

You will not see alot of ghost photos or paranormal evidence from our first investigation reason for being is very simple their was a festival going on around the bridge, park and downtown. But I just wanted to make sure I brought you this place before its another historical location that one day will be forgotten. Mixed in with this investigation  you will see photos from the historical harbor, historic sea wall, some photos from downtown etc I probably will return here to do a follow up investigation at the harbor when less people are around so look for that around next year. 

Speaking of the harbor their is an old sea wall made of Coquina which was built around 1833 to 1844. It has a granite top which served as protection for the homes and businesses on the waterfront. Stone for the sea wall was quarried just across the river on Anastasia Island where we investigated see the connection pretty cool huh?

The harbor has ALOT of history such as pirate ships and stories centuries ago of old wood ships which landed at the harbor to  burn down Saint Augustine when Sir Francis Drake took his revenge. Then some of these ships docked here during the bombardment of Fort Castillo trying to take siege of the city but since they could not bring down the Fort they could not take Saint Augustine. I mean just to walk around the sea wall, wood docks, the bridge and downtown are a treat. 

I mean on our ghost walk you will see cannons, the sea wall, old boats, a section of the old bridge etc and I think anybody who browses this page really is going to enjoy it.  You can see learn more about Saint Augustine by Clicking Here: Saint Augustine's written and investigated by our team.

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Lord Rick-Lord Of Thy Night

The Bridge Of Lions

The Newly Constructed Bridge

The Harbor Area & Historic Sea Wall

Other Stops Along The Way Saint Augustine Nights Of Lights-Over One Million Lights Decor The City From Nov To Jan every year!

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