Ten-Pound Cannons, Colonials and Aaron

Every now and then we get the urge to take a short trip and visit St. Augustine. Jerry had an appointment with an audiologist in Port Orange, so we were going to already be part of the distance there. This trip was a short one, but I realized in retrospect, it had its own special qualities, especially in these times.

The first full day we were there, we decided to visit the Colonial Quarter, which we’d never seen before. It is easy to reach, and easy to miss, but we found it, and it was a delight. Anyone who loves history must visit the Quarter, because although the tour is brief, the experience was moving.

As we rested in the warmth of a spring day, we sat on wooden benches, waiting for our tour guide; there was only one other couple present. I couldn’t help thinking of the many people who were missing this opportunity to learn more about the colonial period of our country.

Our tour guide, Aaron, approached on time, wearing a moderately long brown beard, a long-sleeved shirt (probably meant to resemble the times) with a tear in the sleeve (which might have been included for dramatic effect). Over the shirt he wore a brown leather vest, and although the heat was moderate at 10am, his brow was covered with perspiration. We sat in the shade that extended to Aaron, but it seemed to provide him little relief.

He proceeded to tell us the story of the colonials who came to St. Augustine from Spain and France, and the hardships they endured. Although I had heard some of the stories before, he was a talented storyteller; I paid close attention and learned some new facts. After his introduction, we headed to the blacksmith shop, where our host had to endure more heat. He showed us the forge, added more charcoal to the fire to bring it up to an intense heat, worked the billows to raise the temperature, and showed us how iron, a precious commodity in those days, would be shaped for use. Several items were on display to demonstrate the craft. Our host didn’t complain, but the heat must have been oppressive, and probably even more difficult for the colonials who had to endure hot summers and long working hours. We were quite impressed with the smithing process and Aaron’s efforts to teach us.

Finally, we went to the area where there was a small cannon. It accepted ten-pound balls, and he explained the process of choosing the right amount of gunpowder based on the size of the cannonballs and how far they needed to go, how the cannon was lit off, and which cannons were installed at different locations. Of course, he had to demonstrate lighting off the cannon, and I was so glad that I thought to cover my ears. It was LOUD!

Then he explained that his part of the tour was over, and although we thanked him, he was already on his way to find a cooler retreat. We walked around a bit more, especially enjoying a visit to one of the oldest homes in St. Augustine.

* * * *

I have been on many tours in St. Augustine, including the fort, on a couple of occasions. But I think this time the tour of the Colonial Quarter touched something deeper in me. First, I was sad to see so few people in attendance. I suppose it’s not as glamorous as Disney World, or as exciting as “The Ghosts of St. Augustine,” but I couldn’t help but wonder if there was little interest in, and respect for, the role St. Augustine played in the development of the United States, or for the history of our country. I suspect few people realize the hardships and challenges that the early Americans endured, and how they often bore several children (who often died in childbirth or at a young age) to ensure that they had enough help to do the daily work that their existence required.

Most of all, I thought of Aaron and his task in educating us. I wondered if it was just a job to him, that helped pay the bills, even though he was courteous and engaged. I wanted him to know that he was a vital cog in the wheel that moves our country forward, when so many choose to present an ugly and distorted picture of our past.

Thank you, Aaron.

[The cannon in the video was shot at the fort, Castillo de San Marcos nearby, the first fort to be built with stone, after nine previous forts were built of wood and didn't survive.]