Local history will come alive at Fort Caroline National Memorial from 10 AM to 3 PM during the annual commemoration of the French naval expedition that landed along the banks of the St. Johns River in the 16th century.
On May 1, 1562, Captain Jean Ribault, along with several ships, landed at the mouth of what is today known as the St. Johns River. Ribault named the river “The River of May.” The landing led to the establishment of La Caroline in 1564, a settlement that was planned for commerce and as a refuge for French Protestants who were fleeing religious persecution.
National Park Service rangers and volunteers dressed in period attire will tell the story of how the French lived and worked in their new settlement. “This commemorative event provides an interactive way of learning about the significance of Fort Caroline National Memorial,” says Superintendent Chris Hughes.
Living history activities will occur throughout the day and historic weapons demonstrations will take place at 10 and 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 904-641-7155 or visit www.nps.gov/timu.