Free printable vintage St. Augustine Florida postcards highlight numerous main attractions in the oldest city in America.
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest continuously-occupied European and African-American origin settlement in the United States. The Spanish established St. Augustine 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. [City of St. Augustine]
Situated in Matanzas Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s not hard to see why this gorgeous, history-filled city remains such as popular tourist destination. There is a wonderful mix of historical attractions, family-friendly entertainment, water recreation, wonderful restaurants, and timeless touristy destinations. You can easily spend an entire week or longer in St. Augustine. The area is in close proximity to more than a dozen other popular beach towns. St. Augustine is also less than an hour’s drive from Jacksonville and less than a two-hour drive from Orlando.
Just a few of the popular attractions highlighted in this vintage St. Augustine postcard collection include the St. Augustine Light House, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Flagler Memorial Church, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, Old City Gates, Ponce de Leon Monument, and St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. The postcards also feature St. Augustine’s historical St. George, St. Francis, and Treasury Streets and just a few of their notable buildings.
There are 21 free printable vintage St. Augustine Florida postcards in the collection, all with rich linen texture and vivid hand-painted images to show off this beautiful historical city in its full glory.
Printable vintage St. Augustine postcard formats
Each postcard ZIP folder includes the following three formats.
- Original ratio (3.5″ x 5.5″). All of the St. Augustine postcards are standard size, which is 3.5″ x 5.5.” Having the postcards in their original ratio gives you maximum creative control for cropping and formatting for particular wall art and craft projects.
- 4×6. I’ve formatted all of the St. Augustine postcards in their original ratio with 0.5″ white borders on all sides for the most straightforward 4×6 printing. Virtually every printing service that offers standard sizes has 4×6 prints available at very reasonable prices (as opposed to 3.5″ x 5.5,” which is nearly impossible to find). You’ll also have no problem finding 4×6 frames for your new postcard art.
- 8×10. I know that many readers have also arrived at this post looking for 8×10 Florida-themed art for easy printing and framing. Again, I’ve added a white border to all sides of the 8×10 formatted images. I’ve found that it’s the simplest way to keep approximately the original postcard ratio and to find a frame with or without a mat that will work well.
I have a comprehensive size guide for my vintage postcard collection downloads. It will help you select the best size(s) for your framing and craft projects. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to ask!
After the individual St. Augustine postcard downloads, I have the following downloads available.
- A set of 8.5″ x 11″ pages with two original ratio postcards per page. I’ve created a set of 11 8.5″ x 11″ pages with two postcards on each page so that you can print the complete set at home or through the printing service of your choosing with less paper than you would use printing each postcard on a separate piece of paper. This format is great for art/junk journals and craft projects.
- Two digital collage sheets with ATC-size images. ATC-size crops (2.5″ x 3.5″) are intended for artist trading cards. They’re also ideal for endless DIY projects where you want smaller, more detailed images, such as pendant necklaces, greeting cards, and magnets.
All of the postcard images, 8.5″ x 11″ pages, and digital collage sheets are 300 dpi to guarantee the highest print quality possible.
Are you interested in more postcard formats and/or digital collage sheets?
Don’t hesitate to ask! I’m happy to offer additional formats and collage sheets for your specific wall art and DIY projects.
About the free printable vintage St. Augustine Florida postcards
You may download and print the antique postcards, 8.5″ x 11″ pages, and digital collage sheets as many times as you want for personal use, which includes classroom use. You may use the images and collage sheets for limited runs (5,000 items or less) of physical items to sell. Physical item use DOES NOT include made-to-order sites, such as Society6 and Redbubble.
You may also use the images and collage sheets for limited runs (5,000 items or less) of digital items to sell. Digital items must be flat, finished pieces (i.e., not Adobe Illustrator files). The items you sell must be original content using the images. You may not sell the images individually or as part of larger collections.
Finally, please don’t distribute the download files. If friends, family, or co-workers are interested in their own St. Augustine postcards or collage sheets, please provide them with a link to this post, so that they can download their own files. Your support allows me to continue to offer free printables!
Please note: The low-resolution preview images in this post are solely intended to be used as previews. They’re ideal for sharing on social media. They aren’t suitable for printing. Please use the download links to access the high-resolution versions of all of the images.
Free printable vintage St. Augustine Florida postcards
The majority of the information listed below about St. Augustine attractions comes from the back of the postcards. I’ve cited any additional resources.
Anastasia Light House
Anastasia Island Light House marks the entrance to the port of St. Augustine and guides coastwise vessels on their course. It’s a first-order light standing 165 feet high. Anastasia replaced the ancient Spanish light house near this site, which was washed into the Atlantic Ocean in 1885. The light house is located near St. Augustine’s Municipal Beach at the north end of Anastasia Island.
Now known as the St. Augustine Light House, it is still fully operational today. Learn more about the light house and about visiting the light house and maritime museum at the official website.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Spanish Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest complete masonry fortification remaining in the continental United States. Construction begin in 1672. The 16-foot-thick walls are built from coquina, a natural shell rock quarried on nearby Anastasia Island. The Castillo withstood major English attacks in 1702 and 1740. In later years, it served as a prison.
Now 315 years old and a National Monument, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest structure in St. Augustine. [Visit St. Augustine] It’s well worth a visit during any trip to the area. Head to the National Park Service site to plan your excursion to the fort.
[Castillo de San Marcos National Monument]
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Tower, and Hot Shot Furnace
The Hot Shot Furnace was built by U. S. engineers during the 1840s during a modernization effort for the old Spanish fort. Red hot cannonballs from the furnace could be fired by cannon at wooden ships entering the harbor. Spanish sentries kept a close watch on the countryside from the watchtower.
[Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Tower, and Hot Shot Furnace]
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Watch Tower
The postcard features a view of the main watch tower on the fort, which commands a view of the Atlantic Ocean and offered protection to the Spanish.
[Castillo San Marcos National Monument Watch Tower]
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument The Arch Castle
The massive arch in the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a Moorish design built without a keystone. It’s one of the finest constructions of its kind. The stairway to the right was formerly used as a ramp to transport cannon from the ground to the terreplein above. Construction on the arch began in 1672 and was completed in 1756. The arch is built exclusively of coquina and is one of the best preserved in the world today. You can’t miss this prominent feature when you visit the fort.
[Castillo de San Marcos National Monument The Arch Castle]
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument The Moat and Entrance
The fort’s only entrance is across a draw bridge over the 40-foot wide moat. The great walls of the fort are nine to 10 feet thick. You still enter the fort through the draw bridge entrance today. While not filled with water, you can clearly see the space used for the moat.
[Castillo de San Marcos National Monument The Moat and Entrance]
Fort San Marcos Watch Tower
The postcard features another prominent view of the main watch tower on the fort with the Atlantic Ocean beyond it.
Flagler Memorial Church
Henry M. Flagler, a great empire builder of Florida, erected this inspiring example of Venetian Renaissance architecture in 1889 as a memorial to his daughter. Flagler and members of his family lie in the mausoleum of Italian marble. At the time of publishing this postcard, the United Presbyterian Church featured one of the finest pipe organs in the country.
Known as Memorial Presbyterian Church today, the church offers tours every Friday. Visit their website for more information.
The Fountain of Youth
The Fountain of Youth is synonymous with romance, adventure, and discoveries. Hidden away among the century-old oaks, cedars, and magnolias, the fabled fountain of Don Juan Ponce de Leon still bubbles forth. Thousands of people find their way to this iconic shrine each year. They’re following the footsteps of the famous Spanish explorer who first landed on the North American mainland just a few hundred feet away in 1513 in his search for eternal youth. Don Pedro Menendez followed him in 1565. He laid the foundations for the city of St. Augustine and built the first permanent Christian Mission in North America.
Known today as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, highlights of the attraction include drinking from the fountain and watching a cannon-firing demonstration. Visit the official website for more information.
The Fountain of Youth Exterior of Spring House
This postcard features an exterior view of the Spring House at the Fountain of Youth. The above caption contains a lot more information about this timeless St. Augustine attraction.
[The Fountain of Youth Exterior of Spring House]
Nuestra Senora de la Leche
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche is a Catholic Marian shrine. It is located at the Nombre de Dios Mission. It was constructed in 1609 in honor of Our Lady of La Leche, a Marian apparition popular among the Spanish settlers in the area. Our Lady of La Leche is the oldest shrine in the United States. [Wikipedia] It stands on the site of the United States’ first Mass, which took place on September 8, 1565.
The National Shrine of Our Lady de La Leche is open daily to the public. Visit the official website to learn more about its history and upcoming events.
Old City Gates 1
The Old City Gates of St. Augustine were built in 1743. They consist of two square pillars of coquina rock and stand 20 feet in height and 10 feet thick. The walls are 30 feet in length and 10 feet thick. The space between the pillars is 12 feet. What is pictured here is the sole remaining portion of the wall that stands today.
At the time of construction, it was the only land entrance to the city from the north. It was part of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and was guarded by sentinels around the clock. Originally, the pillars boasted heavy iron-bound gates. You had to enter the city via a drawbridge over a moat or ditch.
The Old City Gates are still standing today and offer a great photo opportunity during any trip to St. Augustine.
Old City Gates 2
The postcard features another view of the iconic Old City Gates of St. Augustine.
Old City Gates 3
The postcard features another view of the iconic Old City Gates of St. Augustine.
Ponce de Leon Monument and Circle
Ponce de Leon was the first citizen of St. Augustine and is considered the individual who first discovered Florida in 1513. This magnificent statue of Ponce de Leon is cast from an old cannon. It holds a commanding position overlooking the beautiful Matanzas Bay in St. Augustine.
The Ponce de Leon statue still stands in this place of prominence in the circle intersection in the heart of St. Augustine, right near the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
[Ponce de Leon Monument and Circle]
Quaint Old St. George Street
St. George Street is one of the four original north-south roads inside the fortifications of the military city of the first Spanish regime. Originally, it was called “Calle a Puerta de la Tierra” or Street to the Land Gate. St. George Street begins at the Old City Gates and extends the length of St. Augustine.
Today St. George Street is pedestrian-only and is lined with restaurants, shops, and attractions, and of course, is packed with history. Visit Old City to learn about all of the things to do on St. George Street.
[Quaint Old St. George Street]
St. George Street The Old Curiosity Shop
This postcard features The Old Curiosity Shop on St. George Street in St. Augustine. It’s another beautiful example of centuries-old construction that has stood the test of time in this ancient city. Although it seems that The Old Curiosity Shop building is still standing today, there is very little information about it online.
[St. George Street The Old Curiosity Shop]
St. George Street The Oldest School House
The Oldest School House is a wooden structure located at 14 St. George Street in St. Augustine. It’s situated right near the Old City Gates. The exact construction date is unknown. It first appears on tax records in 1716. The structure is believed to be the oldest wooden school building in the country. [Wikipedia]
The Oldest Wooden School House is still standing today and is open for tours. You’ll get a first-hand look at what daily life was like for colonial school children. Head to Visit St. Augustine has more information.
[St. George Street The Oldest School House]
St. Francis Street Oldest House
The Oldest House in St. Augustine is also known as the Gonzalez-Alvarez House. Its construction dates back to approximately 1723, making it what is believed to be the oldest surviving house in St. Augustine. The Oldest House Museum Complex is located at 14 St. Francis Street across from the National Guard. Today the house is operated by the St. Augustine Historical Society. It still prominently displays the four flags seen pictured on this postcard. Visit the St. Augustine Historical Society website to learn more about visiting The Oldest House historical site.
[St. Francis Street Oldest House]
Treasury Street
Measuring just six feet and one inch across, Treasury Street in St. Augustine is still believed to be one of the narrowest streets in the United States. Visit Atlas Obscura to learn more about Treasury Street and how its narrow design was intended to protect the city from pirates.
St. Augustine Alligator and Ostrich Farm
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park was originally called the St. Augustine Ostrich-Alligator Farm and Museum of Marine Curiosities. At the time of publishing this postcard, the farm was home to over 6,000 live alligators and ostriches, making it the largest collection in the world. This jungle oasis is just a short walk from the St. Augustine Light House.
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is still fully operational today. The park opened on May 20, 1893, making it over 100 years old and one of Florida’s oldest continuously running attractions. It’s home to 24 species of crocodilians as well as other reptiles, mammals, and birds. [Wikipedia] They offer alligator and reptile shows, animal exhibits, and educational demonstrations, plus ziplining over the grounds. Visit the official website to plan your visit.
[St. Augustine Alligator and Ostrich Farm]
8.5″ x 11″ pages
Download the full set of original ratio postcards in one PDF file containing 11 8.5″ x 11″ pages with two postcards on each page.
Please note: The preview image above has a black border because it gets confusing having a lot of white space around images in blog posts. The pages in the PDF file don’t have black borders.
[Vintage St. Augustine Postcards – 8.5″ x 11″ Pages]
ATC Digital Collage Sheets
The following download contains two 8.5″ x 11″ pages with nine St. Augustine ATC-size cards on each page for a total of 18 cards. ATCs are perfect for artist trading cards and craft projects!
Please note: Again, I’ve added a black border to the preview image above. The digital collage sheet downloads don’t have black borders.
[Vintage St. Augustine Postcards – ATC Digital Collage Sheets]
I explain how to download and extract ZIP folders in my vintage dictionary pages post. This link takes you to the specific directions that you need.
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