Archaeological excavations in the 1970s showed the site of the Wakeman House to hold burials dating back to the 16th century.

A further excavation from 1972 showed burials dating back to the 18th century at this site, which could have been linked to the nearby Spanish Military Hospital, just south of the Wakeman House.

[1] Around 1852, a structure was built on this site known as the City Hotel, owned by Seth M. Wakeman, a merchant from Connecticut who also operated a grocery store in it.

The St. Augustine Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission would purchase the building with this loan and a reconstruction of the Wakeman House was completed in 1965.

There was also a showcase that displayed the gifts presented to the city of St. Augustine on behalf of Spanish governmental agencies.