It was 500 years ago in April, 2013 when Ponce de Leon landed on the coast of St. Augustine, Florida. The legend says that Ponce de Leon was on the search for the Fountain of Youth. To find the elusive fresh water spring that restores the youth of anyone that drinks its waters.
In spite of the legend, historical accounts have no mention linking Ponce de Leon and the search for the Fountain of Youth. In spite of accurate historical documents, the legend stands strong. Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth is now well preserved in the Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaelogical Park in St. Augustine, Florida.
Here, visitors can walk the grounds that have been inhabited for over 3,000 years. Also the location of the oldest successful European settlement in the United States, the park holds history of the ages.
The main attraction is the Fountain of Youth, a freshwater spring from the aquifer of Lake Okeechobee. Here one can drink from the the Fountain of Youth and hope for its restorative powers.
But of course I had to drink some of this world famous water. As a bit of a water snob, I was surprised with the taste. It had a salty, metallic taste to it that I would find hard to drink a lot of.
It is said that the Timucua Indians who lived on this land and drank daily from the spring, lived well into their 80’s. Something very uncommon for that time period. If that is so, then I can expect to also live to a ripe old age. Here’s hoping so!
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Categories: 2013 Project 365, Florida, Foot Prints, history, travel
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
It always amazes me how free we feel to rewrite history. Having said that I believe I to would have tasted the water…
Isn’t that the truth! And I’m not finding that there are at least two more locations in Florida that claim to be the fountain of youth. Looks like some more traveling is due.
Here’s to your youth now you have drank the water.
Let’s hope the youthfulness with stay. 🙂 Miss you and hope all is well. Finally back home again after nearly a month of being gone.
It’s a nice concept , if we can believe in Santa , why not !
I’m with you Judy. Why not?
Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers.
I remember going here as a kid!! My Dad really played up the fountain of youth, my sister and I thought for sure we would live for eternity after drinking from the well!! Thanks for this blast from the past
Oh another local gal. That is wonderful. Funny, the amount of times we went to St. Augustine as children, we never went to the fountain of youth. I thought it was about time for a visit. I believe too..your sister and you will live forever. 🙂
I’m so glad you feel that way…. about my sister and I having a long life!! Whew!!!!🙋🙋
Very cool. 🙂 Just had a quest in WoW involving the fountain of youth as well. Stood there drooling over the visuals too lol!
Ok, you’ll have to share what WoW is. It has sparked my interest. Would love to hear more.
Oh it’s that World Of Warcraft game! I still enjoy playing it for the relaxing music and quests… 😀
LOL ! Oh Oh..is that on facebook?
It’s noot 😦 it’s a PC one with monthly subscription. I heard they’re planning on making it free soon though! Fingers crossed!
Would probably be nice to have a sip. 😉
Want me to send you some Bente?
Interesting, you didn’t happen to fill a jug or two from the spring to share by any chance?
They were selling liter bottles of the stuff if you wanted it. I did bring home a little bottle though for small sips. 🙂
I remember this water haha! It had a sulfurous odor and you’re right about the taste! Really cool place that’s worth the visit. Great shots too! It’s been awhile since I’ve been to St. Augustine. A very beautiful city. I hope you got a chance to explore the fort and churches!
Oh isn’t that funny! That is it..sulfurous. I love St. Augustine and wanted to spend far more time there. If it wasn’t pouring rain for two hours, I would have more time to explore rather than sitting in my car for it to abate. 🙂
I lived in Safety Harbor Florida for a spell and the local spa had a statue and plaque declaring THIS was the Fountain of Youth. I think Mr. De Leon declared many fountains ‘fountains of youth’ to either hide the true one or he was part of Florida’s first travel bureau! =)
Hum..seems I need to get myself to Safety Harbor too. I think these Fountains of Youth were definitely part of the tourist board scheme to bring in tourists.