Sketches of St. Augustine: With a view of its history and advantages as a resort for invalids

Key themes

History and Heritage

The book exhaustively details St. Augustine's extensive history, from its 16th-century Spanish founding through various colonial conflicts. It emphasizes the city's unique status as the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S., highlighting the layering of different cultures and historical events that shaped its identity. This theme underscores the importance of the past in defining the present.

Health and Wellness Tourism

A primary focus of the book is St. Augustine's appeal as a health resort for invalids. Sewall meticulously describes the climate, air quality, and natural environment as therapeutic. This theme reflects 19th-century medical practices, the burgeoning concept of 'taking the waters' or seeking specific climates for chronic ailments, and the development of tourism specifically for health purposes.

Colonialism and Conflict

The book extensively covers the conflicts inherent in the establishment and endurance of St. Augustine, from the Spanish subjugation of French Huguenots to the various shifts in colonial power between Spain, Britain, and ultimately the United States. This highlights the violent and often brutal nature of European expansion in the Americas and the constant struggle for dominance.

Worth discussing

How does Sewall's portrayal of St. Augustine reflect the mid-19th century American perception of history, health, and regional identity?