Matanzas National Monument

Jean Ribault was a French naval officer  serving under Admiral Gaspard de Coligny who attempted to colonize in Florida near the mouth of the St. Johns River at Fort Caroline.

With some 150 colonists, he landed on Florida soil and claimed the land for France.  As a Huguenot Protestant, his belief in God was strong. In 1565 he founded the Fort Caroline settlement on the St. Johns River , even placing a monument there.

The Spanish who had their own claims to Florida at St. Augustine eventually scattered his group and captured Ribault.  The name Matanzas is Spanish for “slaughters” named after the1565 slaughter of Jean Ribault and his group.  Being Huguenot, they were as Protestant heretics.

The fort at Matanzas is small but accommodating.   You can get their free on a boat ride set forth by the Florida State Parks system.  The trip is about an hour long but you can stay longer and there are tables for picnicking.

See you tomorrow,