US History in a Nutshell

Text Box: US History in a Nutshell

Text Box: Our studies in US history begins with Audrey and Spencer taking a trip in March to Florida. I think this was a good starting point, since St. Augustine was the original American settlement. It was claimed by Spain in March of 1513, that is more than seventy years before the Jamestown settlement occurred. On their trip they visited Nombre de dios Mission, which was the site of the first Mass in the USA. They also visited the oldest school house, and of course the Castillo de San Marcos. All this was done with Papa and Grandma on what looks like a beautiful early Spring day in March!

Text Box: Nombre de Dios Mission Called “The sacred acre” because it was the site of the first Mass.

Text Box: To the right, we have the oldest wooden schoolhouse in the USA. Which is amazing considering the battered history of St Augustine, it is amazing to think of any wooden structure surviving for any long period of time. Much of the first signs of Spanish architecture had been destroyed by the English 100’s of years ago.

Text Box: As homeschoolers, we always follow the rules. They obviously didn’t mention ‘jumping’...

Text Box: Castillo de San Marcos is not only historically interesting, but the construction of it was made by these shellstone walls which you can find all over the beaches in that area. They are called Coquina.

Text Box: It is interesting to see that the original flag of Spain (left) and the flag of the state of Florida have one similar marking...the red criss-cross. This was known as the “Cross of Burgundy”