The Museum
The venerable city of St. Augustine, in sunny Florida, is home to arguably one of the South’s most fascinating history museums: the Spanish Military Hospital Museum. It tells the story of a military hospital in the longest and continuously settled European settlement in the United States. Housed in an 18th-century building that once served as a military hospital, the museum is has been designated as one of many fascinating National Historic Landmarks in the Sunshine State.
Arguably one of the museum’s greatest attractions is the reconstruction of a Spanish military hospital, where you get the opportunity to learn fascinating (and sometimes stomach-turning) details about the long-outdated medical practices of the 18th century, during the second Spanish period.
The exhibitions provide a fascinating insight into the medical practices of the time, which from today’s perspective appear at least questionable, if not outright dangerous. Professional actors are happy to tell you more about yesteryears’ medical procedures in the detailed replica of the military hospital – of course including all the nice and maybe not-so-nice details.
In addition to the replica of the hospital, the exhibits also deal with military operations and tactics used during the various battles that took place in and around St. Augustine during the 18th century. Displays include military uniforms, historical weapons and other pieces of personal equipment, which was used in the battles between Spaniards, the English and the Americans.
Whether you’re a medical doctor yourself or just have a keen interest in history, the Spanish Military Hospital is well worth a visit. If you would like to learn a little more, a professional tour is available, which will show you the different areas of the building where you can experience the history of the Spanish colonization of Florida up close.
