The term “at the end of the road” has negative connotations. The meaning of a dead-end with no place to go implies the focus of the comment is a useless or hopeless situation.
The little town of Saint Marks, Florida, sits at the end of a road but has a long history of varied purposes and industries which fit the needs of contemporary residents. Located at the southern terminus of Florida Highway 363 in Wakulla County, the community rests on the edge of salt marshes facing the entrance to Apalachee Bay.
For the early Spanish conquistadores and settlers, their fort and the surrounding village had strategic value. At the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla rivers, the garrison served as a stronghold at a chokepoint of two transportation corridors.
The rigors faced by the early Europeans must have been daunting. Isolation, the language barrier with the native inhabitants, limited and irregular resupply options from home, and mosquitos made the assignment a challenge.
In reality, the location was the beginning of the road to commercial success and military conquest. San Marcos de Apalache, as it was originally known, served to ship goods to other Spanish colonies and as a counterbalance to British privateers (pirates).
Andrew Jackson made a military incursion to the vicinity in 1818. Ignoring the sensitivities of territorial claims, the incident exacerbated tensions with Spain.
After Florida passed to the U.S. in 1821, St. Marks continued to be a shipping point for cotton and other agricultural products. An early rail line from Tallahassee to St. Marks expedited the movement of cotton to northern and foreign textile mills.
Ultimately, larger and deeper draft vessels found it difficult to navigate the shallow waters adjacent to St. Marks and the cotton trade moved west to Apalachicola. Still it was the basis for local fishermen who supplied area needs.
The view towards Apalachee Bay from San Marcos de Apalache fort’s remains. Spanish conquistadors arrived by this waterway to begin their settlement of the territory. 
The foundations of the Spanish buildings remain where they have existed for about 250 years. Two wooden stockades preceded the stone structure but were destroyed by a hurricane. The site is supported by a museum which provides a brief local history and artifacts. 
Modern mariners have plenty of options in present day St. Marks. A day on the bay with fun in the sun is only a charter away.
Today the area is a popular option for boating and sports fishing. Visitors can launch their own boats, rent one or charter a fishing trip.
What to Expect
Locally owned and managed cafes and restaurants deliver a variety of seafood dishes sourced from area waters. Casual dining is the prevalent style where families, friends and new arrivals can enjoy the culinary specialties of each dining establishment.
The St. Marks railroad is long gone, but the rail bed has been converted into a hiking/biking trail extending to Tallahassee. Those not wishing to cover the entire trail have the option of several entry points along the way.
A public boat launch is located adjacent to the remains of the colonial Spanish fort, west of the current business district. Charter and boat rental businesses operate in the town of St. Marks.
Nightly lodging is available in the area and longer term rentals are handled through real estate management companies.
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