Let your first lesson in history begin at the Oldest Wooden School House! The exact date of construction is not sure, but the schoolhouse does appear on the tax records for the year of 1716, and is sure to have been in existence before then. The school remains as it was over two centuries and was made completely by hand, even the nails! Not only is this the oldest schoolhouse in the country but it was also the first co-ed school in the country. It is located near the old city gates in historic downtown St. Augustine.

The original owner, who became its first schoolteacher, was Juan Genoply. Once inside you can sit with the schoolmaster and his pupils as they re-create the scene. These animatronic figures in period dress bring history to life as they describe how school was back then. There are also copies of the textbooks used by the students and other school artifacts on display inside. Another unusual item on the schoolhouse is the large chain and anchor around the outside. This was originally to keep the schoolhouse grounded during hurricanes! Even more interesting and historical sites await you at the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Call them for more information.