Abraxi Taxi: Your Reliable Taxi and Airport Shuttle in Saint Augustine, Florida
Serving the Saint Augustine Community for Over 15 Years
ABRAXI TAXI: Your Go-To Taxi Service in Saint Augustine, FL
Welcome to Abraxi Taxi, your trusted provider of taxi services in Saint Augustine and St. Johns County, Florida. Whether you need a ride around town or a reliable airport shuttle, we have you covered!
Prompt and Reliable Taxi Service
At Abraxi Taxi, punctuality is our priority. Our team of dedicated drivers ensures a quick pick-up and efficient drop-off. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service. In the rare case that we cannot assist, we collaborate with other reputable taxi services in Saint Augustine to meet your transportation needs. Reach out for rides to:
- Local attractions
- Sightseeing tours
- Restaurants
- Sporting events
- Fine dining
- Concerts
- Nightclubs
Operational Flexibility in Saint Augustine
We understand that life moves quickly. Although we do not operate from a fixed location, our fleet is always on the move to serve you better. If you find our lines busy, please be patient and try again. We aim to accommodate as many customers as possible, even during high-traffic times like the bar rush at 2 a.m.
Payment and Policies
We accept credit card payments and enforce a minimum charge of $15.00 for the convenience of our customers.
Planning Ahead: A Word to the Wise
To avoid delays due to Saint Augustine’s bustling traffic and iconic landmarks, www.vistitstaugustine.com, like the Bridge of Lions, we recommend planning your ride in advance. Remember, both taxis and rideshare services like Uber tend to be busiest around bar closing times.
Why Choose Abraxi Taxi in Saint Augustine, FL?
- Transparent Pricing: No surprises with our fixed, flat, or zone-based rates.
- 15+ Years of Experience: We bring over a decade and a half of expertise in reliable and cost-effective transportation.
- Local and Tourist Services: Whether you are a resident or a visitor, we offer specialized services to meet your needs.
Your Next Ride is Just a Click Away!
With Abraxi Taxi, you are choosing more than just a ride; you are opting for a trusted transportation partner in Saint Augustine, FL. Contact us today to book your next ride or to learn more about our services.
As we embark on this journey through St. Augustine’s past, let us do so with open minds and hearts, ready to learn from the lessons of history and apply them to the pursuit of social justice today. Through understanding the depth and breadth of St. Augustine’s history, we can appreciate the city not just for its historical significance, but for its role in the ongoing story of America’s struggle towards liberty and justice for all.
The Founding of St. Augustine Historical Background of St. Augustine
St. Augustine, a city teeming with the echoes of the past, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration, conflict, and settlement in the New World. Established on September 8, 1565, by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, it predates Jamestown and Plymouth Rock, making it the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States. Menéndez de Avilés, acting under the authority of the Spanish crown, sought to claim the land, fortify it against potential encroachment by other European powers, and spread Christianity among the indigenous populations.
The founding of St. Augustine was not merely an act of settlement but a strategic move in the larger chess game of colonial expansion. The city served as a foothold for Spain in North America, a base from which to launch further expeditions, defend against foreign incursions, and protect the treasure fleets that carried gold and silver from the Americas back to Spain.
Early Interactions Between Native Americans and European Settlers
The story of St. Augustine is incomplete without acknowledging the Native American tribes who inhabited the region long before European settlers arrived. The Timucua people, among others, were the original stewards of the land that St. Augustine now occupies. These indigenous communities had complex societies with rich cultures, political structures, and economies that were intricately tied to the land and its resources.
The arrival of Menéndez de Avilés and his settlers marked the beginning of a new era for the Native American tribes of the region. Initial interactions between the Timucua and the Spanish were a mix of diplomacy and conflict, as both sides navigated the complexities of trade, territorial rights, and cultural differences. The Spanish sought to convert the indigenous populations to Christianity, establishing missions throughout the region. These missions played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the area, but they also facilitated the Spanish control over the native populations.
The relationship between the European settlers and Native Americans was complicated by competing interests, misunderstandings, and outright hostilities. Diseases brought by Europeans decimated indigenous populations, who had no immunity to these foreign illnesses. Additionally, the Spanish enslaved some Native Americans, further straining relations and leading to resistance and conflicts.
Despite these challenges, there were also periods of cooperation and coexistence. The Timucua and other Native American groups contributed to the survival and growth of St. Augustine through trade and the sharing of agricultural practices. This complex web of interactions set the stage for the multicultural history of St. Augustine, reflecting the broader dynamics of colonial America.
The founding of St. Augustine and its early years highlight the complexities of colonial expansion and the profound impact it had on indigenous populations. Understanding these early interactions is crucial for recognizing the deep roots of social justice issues related to land rights, cultural preservation, and the legacy of colonialism. As we delve deeper into St. Augustine’s history, we see a pattern of struggle and resilience that defines the city’s spirit and underscores the importance of remembering and learning from the past.
- St. Augustine Historical Society (https://www.staugustinehistoricalsociety.org/)
- The official website of the St. Augustine Historical Society offers resources, historical documents, and information on local landmarks and museums.
- Fort Mose Historical Society (http://fortmose.org/)
- Dedicated to the preservation and education about Fort Mose, this website provides detailed information about the site’s history and significance.
- Civil Rights Museum of St. Augustine (https://civilrightsmuseum.org/)
- This museum’s website offers insights into the civil rights movement in St. Augustine, featuring exhibits, educational resources, and information on visiting.
These resources will enrich your understanding of St. Augustine’s history and its broader implications for American society. Whether you’re interested in early colonial interactions, the fight for civil rights, or the ongoing struggle for social justice, these readings provide a solid foundation for further exploration.
The history of St. Augustine, Florida, is not only shaped by the interactions between European colonizers and Native American tribes but also significantly influenced by the African American experience. From the earliest days of the city’s founding in 1565, African Americans have played a crucial role in the development, culture, and social fabric of St. Augustine. Their presence in the city is a testament to a story of fortitude, friction, and the quest for freedom and equality.
The African American story in St. Augustine begins in the 16th century with the arrival of Africans, both free and enslaved, alongside Spanish settlers. These individuals were integral to the establishment and growth of the city, contributing their skills, labor, and culture. The Spanish, with their more fluid social norms regarding race and slavery, allowed for a society in which some Africans could earn their freedom, own property, and achieve a status that was uncommon in the English colonies at the time.
A pivotal chapter in the African American experience in St. Augustine is the story of Fort Mose (pronounced “Moh-say”), established in 1738. This settlement, just north of the city, became the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what would become the United States. Fort Mose was a refuge for those escaping slavery from the English colonies to the north, symbolizing hope, and freedom for countless African Americans. It was a community where they could live freely, govern themselves, and defend their settlement as part of the Spanish militia.
Despite the opportunities for freedom in Spanish Florida, the shadow of the transatlantic slave trade loomed large. Many African Americans in St. Augustine and its environs were enslaved, working on plantations, in households, and in various trades within the city. The institution of slavery was a brutal reality, marked by hostility to and the enduring spirit of those who fought for their freedom and rights.
Fast forward to the 20th century, St. Augustine played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, a testament to the city’s continued relevance in the African American struggle for equality. In the early 1960s, St. Augustine was a battleground for desegregation efforts, witnessing protests, sit-ins, and clashes between civil rights activists and segregationists. The courage and strength of African American leaders and community members in St. Augustine were instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, marking the city as a critical site in the fight for civil rights in America.
The African American experience in St. Augustine is a rich tapestry that weaves through the city’s history, from the early days of Spanish colonization to the pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement. This chapter seeks to honor the contributions, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans in St. Augustine, recognizing their indelible impact on the city’s identity and the broader narrative of American history. Their story is one of tenacity in the face of adversity, the pursuit of freedom and equality, and the enduring spirit of a community that has shaped, and been shaped by, the ancient city of St. Augustine.
The sins of slavery in St. Augustine, Florida, is a horrific narrative that spans several centuries, beginning with the city’s founding in 1565 by the Spanish. Here we examine the evolution of enslavement in the area, highlighting the changing dynamics of enslavement under Spanish, British, and American rule, and the impact of these changes on the African and African American populations in St. Augustine.
During the Spanish colonial period, St. Augustine became a multicultural community with a social system that, while still upholding bondage, was markedly different from the later English system. The Spanish Crown issued edicts that provided for the legal framework of slavery but also allowed for certain rights to enslaved individuals, such as the ability to earn wages, purchase freedom, and the protection of family units. Additionally, the Spanish offered asylum to runaway slaves from the British colonies, granting them freedom in exchange for conversion to Catholicism and a term of military service. This policy led to the establishment of Fort Mose in 1738, the first free African settlement in North America.
The situation changed dramatically when the British took control of Florida in 1763. Under British rule, the institution of subjugation expanded significantly, and the legal and social conditions for African Americans worsened. The British introduced plantation agriculture to the region, heavily reliant on enslaved African labor. The harsh conditions and stringent laws during this period led to resistance and uprisings, as trafficked people fought against their oppressors and sought freedom.
When Spain regained control of Florida in 1783, many of the freedoms previously granted to African Americans were reinstated, including the restoration of Fort Mose as a community for free Africans. However, this period of relative freedom was short-lived, as Florida became a territory of the United States in 1821. Under American rule, the conditions for enslaved people in St. Augustine and the surrounding areas deteriorated further. Florida adopted the plantation model of the Deep South, leading to an increase in the demand for shackled labor and the intensification of the brutalities associated with slavery.
Despite the harsh conditions, oppressed Africans and African Americans in St. Augustine did not passively accept their fate. They resisted through various means, including work slowdowns, sabotage, escape attempts, and uprisings. The Underground Railroad in Florida, though less known than its counterparts in the North, provided a route for escapees heading to freedom in Spanish Florida or the Caribbean.
The Civil War marked a turning point in the history of slavery in St. Augustine. The city fell to Union forces in 1862, leading to the emancipation of subjugated people in the area. Following the war, the Reconstruction era brought significant changes, including the granting of citizenship and the right to vote to African American men. However, the promise of Reconstruction was undermined by the rise of Jim Crow laws, leading to a new era of struggle for African Americans in St. Augustine and beyond.
The history of thralldom in St. Augustine is a testament to the toughness and defiance of African Americans in the face of systemic oppression. From the early days of Spanish rule to the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved individuals and their descendants fought for their freedom, rights, and dignity. This chapter seeks to honor their struggles and contributions, recognizing their profound impact on the history and identity of St. Augustine.
St. Augustine, Florida, occupies a unique place in the history of the Underground Railroad and the broader struggle for freedom by enslaved Africans and African Americans in the United States. Unlike the more commonly known northward routes leading to the Northern states and Canada, St. Augustine offered a southern path to freedom, particularly during the Spanish colonial period. This chapter explores the city’s involvement in these historic freedom movements, highlighting its significance as a beacon of hope for many seeking liberation from the bonds of slavery.
The concept of the Underground Railroad as a network of secret routes and safe houses used by exploited African Americans to escape into free states and Canada is well-documented. However, less known is the “Reverse Underground Railroad” that led south to Spanish Florida, where St. Augustine served as a critical point of refuge. Under Spanish rule, which was more lenient towards African slaves compared to the English and later American systems, slaves could gain their freedom under certain conditions, such as converting to Catholicism and serving the Spanish Crown.
Fort Mose, established in 1738 just north of St. Augustine, symbolizes the city’s pivotal role in the history of the struggle for freedom. It was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what is now the United States. Fort Mose became a sanctuary for those escaping from the British colonies, where slavery was more rigidly enforced. The fort’s existence underscores the interaction between colonial powers and the ways indentured individuals navigated these dynamics to secure their freedom.
The Minorcans, along with Greeks and Italians, are a significant part of St. Augustine’s rich cultural tapestry, particularly reflecting the city’s diverse history of settlers who have faced hardships and contributed to its development. Their story intertwines with the broader narratives of exploration, colonization, and struggle that characterize the region’s past.
The Minorcans came to Florida in the late 18th century as part of an ambitious plan by Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a British settler who established the New Smyrna colony south of St. Augustine. Turnbull recruited over 1,400 people from the Mediterranean regions, including a substantial number from the Balearic Island of Minorca, promising them land and a new beginning in Florida.
Upon their arrival, the settlers found the conditions vastly different from what had been promised. They were subjected to harsh treatment, grueling labor in the indigo plantations, and poor living conditions. The situation in New Smyrna deteriorated to the point where it resembled enslavement more than indentured servitude, with the settlers suffering from malnutrition, disease, and mistreatment by the overseers.
After enduring nearly a decade of hardship, the surviving Minorcans, numbering around 600, petitioned for relief and, in 1777, were granted permission to leave New Smyrna. They trekked to St. Augustine, seeking refuge and a clean slate. The governor of Spanish Florida welcomed them, and they were given sanctuary and land within the city, where they could begin anew.
In St. Augustine, the Minorcans became an integral part of the community, contributing to its cultural and economic development. They brought with them knowledge of Mediterranean agriculture, fishing, and culinary traditions, which they adapted to their pristine environment. Over time, the Minorcans’ influence became deeply embedded in the city’s identity, with their traditions, food, and annual celebrations becoming a part of the local heritage.
Today, the Minorcan heritage is celebrated and recognized in St. Augustine through various means. The annual St. Ambrose Church Fair, for instance, highlights Minorcan culture with traditional foods, music, and crafts. The Minorcan Museum in St. Augustine also serves as a testament to their story, preserving artifacts, documents, and oral histories that chronicle the journey and contributions of the Minorcan people to the city.
The story of the Minorcans in St. Augustine is a powerful example of fortitude in the face of adversity. It illustrates how diverse groups of people, despite experiencing exploitation and hardship, have shaped the unique cultural landscape of one of America’s oldest cities. Their history complements the narratives of Native Americans, Africans, and other groups, enriching our understanding of the inequitable social fabric of the region.
St. Augustine’s strategic location made it a focal point for freedom seekers. Its position in Spanish Florida provided an alternative destination for those fleeing the harsh conditions of the English colonies. The city’s history of offering asylum to runaway slaves, coupled with its military significance, made it a notable landmark in the broader narrative of defiance against slavery. This history includes not only the stories of individuals seeking freedom but also the collective efforts of communities like Fort Mose to defend their liberty against external threats.
The battle for emancipation in St. Augustine was not limited to escape and settlement. It also encompassed acts of opposition to and rebellion against the institution of slavery. Enslaved Africans and African Americans in and around St. Augustine engaged in various forms of resistance, from covert acts of defiance to outright revolt. These acts were instrumental in challenging the status quo and sowing the seeds for broader movements of liberation and civil rights.
The significance of the Underground Railroad and the struggle for autonomy in St. Augustine is a testament to the enduring human desire for liberty and justice. The city’s role in these historical movements provides a powerful narrative of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of liberation against formidable odds. It also highlights the cunning strategies employed by enslaved individuals and their allies in the fight against slavery, from seeking refuge in Spanish territories to armed resistance and legal battles.
St. Augustine’s contribution to the history of the Underground Railroad and the pursuit for freedom is a noteworthy yet often overlooked chapter in the broader story of the fight against slavery in the United States. The city’s unique role as a southern refuge for those escaping bondage, epitomized by the establishment of Fort Mose, offers a nuanced perspective on the pathways to freedom. By examining St. Augustine’s involvement in these momentous movements, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of slavery, persistence, and the relentless quest for liberty.
