Searle’s Encampment – Sack of St. Augustine

Join the Historic Florida Militia for the re-enactment of the “1668 Searle’s Raid-Sack of St. Augustine”.

Encampment

Friday and Saturday, March 3 & 4, 2023, a 17th century-style military encampment will be at the Oldest House Museum.   The encampment will be set up on Thursday, March 2 after 12:00pm.   Open to the public on Friday and  Saturday, March 3 & 4 from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  There will be military drills, demonstrations and living history interpretation.

Sack of St. Augustine

Searle’s Raid commences on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 4:00pm beginning in the Plaza de la Constitucion.  The historical re-enactment of the famous bloody pirate raid led by Robert Searle and his crew depicts the sacking and burning of the town.   The actual route varies depending upon city permits.

In 1668, Captain Robert Searle and his privateers sailed from Jamaica to loot the silver ingots (metals that can be shaped into various things) held in the royal coffers (small chests) at St. Augustine. Under the cover of night, they slipped into the harbor and attacked the sleeping town, killing sixty people and pillaging government buildings, churches and homes.

Click event website link for additional information.