Headquarters of the Florida National Guard since 1907, St. Francis Barracks continues the legacy of Florida’s First Muster of Troops in the nation’s oldest city on September 16, 1565.
May 9, 9:00 a.m., 2026 History Festival Tour!
Join Command Historian Alison Simpson of the Florida National Guard for a guided tour of the historic St. Francis Barracks and grounds. This one-hour tour features the early history of the property as a Franciscan headquarters, its use as a U.S. Army installation during the 19th century, the history of Florida’s military. This tour is free of charge.
The Florida National Guard is the nation’s oldest militia, established by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565 (photo circa 1880s)