This year marked the 200th anniversary of Florida becoming a U.S. territory and the official formation of St. Johns County, and celebrations were on Saturday, July 10, 2021. East and West Florida were transferred to the United States from Spanish control two hundred years ago in 1821. Saturday’s events started at 11 a.m. at the Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum at 48 King St. in downtown St. Augustine. “Living history interpreters were dressed as Spanish and United States Troops, dignitaries and townspeople, as they would have appeared in 1821,”. “Declarations were made from the balcony of Governor’s House, documents were signed, in the courtyard.” At 11:20 a.m., re-enactors and others walked from the Governor’s House to the St. Francis Barracks at the National Guard headquarters at 82 Marine St. The public was invited to join the procession. At 11:45 a.m., the changing of flags ceremony took place at the barracks parade field. The Spanish flag was lowered, and the U.S. flag raised. Muskets and cannons were fired. Among the officials attending were Florida’s Secretary of State Laurel Lee, Spanish Ambassador Santiago Cabanas Ansorena and Consul General of Spain Jaime Lacadena. For longer version go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiL0hk3LjwQ&t=8s