Fort Matanzas is constructed of coquina, a…

Fort Matanzas is constructed of coquina, a common shellstone building material in the area.

It is fifty feet (fifteen meters) long on each side with a thirty-foot (nine point one meter) tower.

The marshy terrain is stabilized by a foundation of pine pilings.

The standard staff for the Fort is one officer in charge, four infantrymen, and two gunners, though more troops can be stationed if necessary.

All soldiers at Fort Matanzas serve on rotation from their regular duty in St. Augustine.

Five cannons are placed at the Fort—four six pounders and one eighteen pounder.

All guns can reach the inlet, which at this time is less than a half mile away.

As the Fort is nearing completion in 1742,  the British under Oglethorpe approach the inlet with twelve ships.

Cannon fire drives off the scouting boats and the warships leave without engaging the Fort.

This brief encounter is the only time Fort Matanzas will fire on an enemy.