• Shore birds thrive in this coastal enviornment.

    Timucuan

    Ecological & Historic Preserve Florida

Jean Ribault

bi1_people_ribault

Jean Ribault

Smith College

Jean Ribault (ca. 1520-1565) was hand picked by Admiral Coligny to explore Florida. He chose the location for the settlement of Fort de la Caroline in 1562. He brought reinforcements in 1565 and died in its defense.
  • Rene de Laudonniere Rene de Laudonniere

    Learn more about the French commander who organized the building of Fort de la Caroline. Read More

  • Pedro de Menendez Pedro de Menendez

    Learn more about the Spanish commander sent to remove the French from Florida. Read More

Did You Know?

Fort Matanzas

Fort Matanzas in St. Augustine, Florida is named for the slaughter of French Huguenots from Fort Caroline in 1565.  In Spanish, "matanzas" means slaughters. More...