Oldest Wooden School House
St. Augustine, Florida
Oldest Wooden School House Historic Museum and Gardens is located right in the heart of the Historic St. Augustine district. We’ve walked past this spot a bunch of times on past trips without stopping, like so many do.
When you’re shopping along the cobble stone streets, you may not realize what you’re walking by!
For just a few dollars and about 20 minutes, we think it’s worth visiting inside and getting a glimpse into what is really the oldest wooden school house.
This school does date back to 1800, and educated generations of St. Augustine’s children.
In 1865, it finally closed its doors.
But in 1931, nine of those last students met at the school house once again. And they decided to arrange the furniture that was all still stored inside, so that everything there now remains in its historical place just as it was in the 1800’s.
The house and gardens are small and it doesn’t take very long to see everything. The entrance is through a small gift shop. This Oldest Wooden School House is in amazing condition, considering its wood and quite old.
The tour is self-guided, and you can take as long as you’d like. Inside the school house there’s an animatronics show, where they teach the real meaning of the Dunce cap!
We spent about 30 minutes at this attraction. It was worth the time and the entrance fee. And yes, we’ll definitely go back again.
The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse stands as a testament to both the resilience of early American settlers and the enduring legacy of education in the United States. This humble yet iconic building remains an integral part of St. Augustine’s rich historical tapestry.
Originally built during the Spanish colonial period, the schoolhouse is a remarkable survivor of time, weathering centuries of hurricanes, fires, and the ravages of war.
Its sturdy wooden construction, utilizing techniques passed down through generations, has allowed it to withstand the test of time and remain a cherished landmark in the nation’s oldest city.
If you’re visiting St. Augustine, you can’t miss St. George Street. It’s the hub of shops and food, and this Oldest Wooden School House is right in the middle of it all. Check the official Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse website for hours of operation and current admission fees.
Stop in, visit this history. Then at night, take a ghost tour! Here’s my post on Ghosts of St. Augustine and where to find them, here!
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