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Tall pillar with coat of arms on deck overlooking river

Ribault Monument

On a high bluff above the St. Johns River, a memorial pays tribute to the French expedition led by Jean Ribault that claimed Florida for France in 1562, three years before St. Augustine was founded.

Timucuan Preserve  |  Jacksonville
( 30.387960, -81.489865 )      

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On May 1, 1562, French Huguenots landed near these bluffs along the St. Johns River and claimed Florida for France.

Their expedition leader, Jean Ribault, named the river “The River of May” to commemorate the date of his landing, and raised a column in honor of the French king.

This small interpretive site near Fort Caroline explains the story of the landing and the monument.

Stairs under oaks flanked with National Park signs Entrance staircase leading to St. Johns Bluff


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book coverHikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover50 Hikes in North Florida book cover

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Overview

Location: Jacksonville
Parking: 30.387960, -81.489865
Address: 13199 W Fort Caroline Park Rd, Jacksonville
Fees: Free
Restroom: At nearby Fort Caroline
Land manager: National Park Service
Phone: 904-641-7155

Open 9-4:45 Wednesday through Sunday.

Column with coat of arms of a French king


Directions

 
From I-295 East (SR 9A) use the Southside Connector exit to follow Fort Caroline Rd 4.3 miles east. It turns left at Mt. Pleasant Rd. Pass the entrances to Fort Caroline and Spanish Pond within a quarter mile. Continue another half mile. Turn left on W Fort Caroline Park Rd. The road ends at the parking area.

About the Monument

Commissioned in the 1920s by the Daughters of the American Revolution, this monument replicates the one illustrated by artist Jacques Le Moyne.

Reproduced after his return to Europe, the illustration shows the Timucua who lived along to the river coming to the tall pillar to leave offerings of worship.

1591 reproduction of Ribalt Column drawing Reproduction of Le Moyne’s sketch of the Timucua at the Ribault Column by Theodor de Bry, 1591 (National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution)


It is not known what happened to the original column, but in the context of the Spanish massacre of the French colony at Fort Caroline, it was likely intentionally sunk or carried off.

Unveiled with fanfare in 1924, this replica sat near Mayport until World War II brought Mayport Naval Station to the mouth of the St. Johns River, making it inaccessible.

Boardwalk under live oaks A boardwalk provides access to the bluffs


It’s a short climb from the parking area beneath ancient oaks to reach this promontory.

Moved to this bluff in 1958, the monument stands at a spot with a stunning view of the St. Johns River sweeping from Blount Island to Mayport.

Ribault column with river view beyond The century-old modern replica of the Ribault Column



Explore More!

Learn more about Timucuan Preserve

Estuary winding waters

Timucuan Preserve

Florida’s northernmost National Park encompasses a diverse collection of historic and cultural sites on both sides of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville.


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Entrance to the replica of Fort Caroline

Fort Caroline

At the site of the original French settlement in Florida, explore the rich natural and cultural history of the region at the Timucuan Preserve visitor center, Fort Caroline, and its interpretive nature trail.

Large marsh edged with willows

Spanish Pond

Interpreting the Spanish attack on nearby Fort Caroline from an encampment on this pond, Spanish Pond connects via the Spanish Pond Trail to the Theodore Roosevelt Area.

View of midden from above, flanked by marshes

Theodore Roosevelt Area

Hike 3.1 miles looping around an ancient midden fronting the St. Johns River on this scenic hike honoring the conservation legacy of Willie Brown, who preserved his coastal forest for us to enjoy.

Dutton Island Preserve

Dutton Island Preserve

Discover a different perspective on Atlantic Beach on this island preserve in the middle of the San Pablo River estuary east of downtown Jacksonville

Official Website

Category: North Florida, Parks, PlacesTag: Historic Sites, Jacksonville, Mayport, National Parks, St. Johns River, Timucuan Preserve

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