St. Johns Bluff in Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The River of May
Fort Caroline National Monument
— Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve —
Captain René de Laundonnière, 1564
Captain René de Laundonnière, on June 22, 1564, arrived in New France with his three ships and some 200 French Protestant noblemen, soldiers, and artisans, landing along the River of May (St. Johns River). The adventurous men and women brought their fears, hopes, and dreams. Would they survive in this strange land? Would they discover the riches they imagined? The colonists were hopeful.
The French found a site for their settlement on June 30th. Protected by a bluff commanding a river view, the spot offered fertile land, potable water, woodland fruits and building materials, and an abundance of fish. The French soldiers thought the ground defensible and its closeness to the sea afforded access for ships. Above all, the Timucuan natives seemed friendly and willing to help them in their new world.
Erected by National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is June 22, 1564.
Location. 30° 23.194′ N, 81° 29.849′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. It is in St. Johns Bluff. Marker is on Ft. Caroline Road, on the left when traveling east. Located at a river overlook on a short trail from the visitor center in Fort Caroline National Monument. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville FL 32225, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Timucuan Friends (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Building of la Caroline (about 700 feet away); Fort de la Caroline (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spanish Pond (approx. 0.2 miles away); Staking a Claim (approx. half a mile away); Ribault Monument (approx. half a mile away); New France (approx. half a mile away); Timucuan Preserve (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonville.
Also see . . . Fort Caroline History. NPS website. (Submitted on August 26, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 823 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.