Ribault Monument

Today I visited the replica of the stone column placed by Jean Ribault at the mouth of the St. Johns River on May 2, 1562.   

As you can see they have a butiful entryway.  Don't worry they have a handycap ramp available.

After erecting a monument at the River of May ( now St. Johns River) Ribault went northward.  Ribault left a small garrison at Charlesfort near Port Royal Sound, and sailed home to France  His men followed him within months when the situation became desperate.

 In 1565 Ribault arrived back in Florida with a relief expedition of supplies and 600 soldiers and settlers, including more women and some children.

 When Phillip 11 of Spain,  learned that Ribault had sailed for Florida he sent Admiral Pedro Menendez to dislodge the French. Menendez along with about 500 soldiers found the settlers and massacred 140 of them.  Menendez then marched south where he found Ribault and about 350 men whom they kelled except for the Catholics.

I found this to be an interesting sight, offering not only history but the over look offered a wonderful view of the river and marsh around it.