Summer Haven in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Massacre of the French
Matanzas Inlet
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 1, 2011
1. Massacre of the French Marker
In 1565 some 300 French castaways, under Jean Ribault, were massacred here by Spaniards, crushing their attempt to occupy Florida. The French ships, sailing from Fort Caroline to attack St. Augustine, were driven ashore by a storm. At this inlet most of the survivors were put to the knife by Don Pedro Menendez. Hence it was named Matanzas, meaning slaughters.Erected 1962 by St. Johns County Historical Commission in cooperation with Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. (Marker Number F-85.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1565.
Location. 29° 42.657′ N, 81° 13.787′ W. Marker is in Summer Haven, Florida, in St. Johns County. Marker is on North Ocean Boulevard (State Road 1A), on the right when traveling south. Located at the south parking area for Matanzas National Monument. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Augustine FL 32080, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old World Showdown / Reyes y fe (approx. 0.3 miles away); Massacre by Menendez
this page online
Also see . . . Massacre of the French. Fort Matanzas National Monument website. (Submitted on August 15, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, April 8, 2016
2. Newly restored Massacre of the French Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 1, 2011
3. Massacre of the French Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 1, 2011
4. Matanzas River from Fort Matanzas
View looking south from Fort Matanzas. The exact location of the massacre is unknown. At the time of the event, the inlet was considerably further north than today. Fort Matanzas was built well after the massacre.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,443 times since then and 222 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 15, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on April 8, 2016, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
