Mayor Brown's Message

Mayor Alvin Brown On May 1, 2012, Jacksonville will commemorate the 450th anniversary of  French Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault’s arrival and the beginning of French history in Florida. I welcome and encourage all to join in the many celebrations and observances of this important event.
 
This website, commemorate450.coj.net, is designed to highlight the many commemorative activities taking place beginning May 1, 2012. The site also provides a listing of historical resources and links to information pertaining to Ribault’s arrival in 1562, to help inform and educate readers on our unique history.
 
Thank you, and Bienvenue à Jacksonville!

Commemorate 450 

En françaisOn May 1, 1562, Jean Ribault sailed into what we now call the St. Johns River, and named it The River of May. He met with the indigenous, Mocama-speaking Timucua Indians on the North side of the river and claimed the beautiful land for France by placing a stone onto the ground in her honor.  
 
The next French exploration occurred in 1564, Fort Caroline - la Caroline - was built, and the “First Thanksgiving” took place on June 30 of the same year.

 
 

Commemorating 450 Years of French History in Florida

This website is a resource to help you commemorate the 450th anniversary of Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault's arrival in Northeast Florida. You can read headlines, brush up on your history, keep up with events, peruse the marketplace or find a restaurant for French Week.

There is an exciting day of activities planned for May 1, 2012. A preliminary list of activities and events planned includes:
 
  • On May 5 and 6, the National Park Service will offer educational demonstrations featuring costumed living historians at Fort Caroline National Memorial.
More information is available in Events.

To submit an event, fill out this Event Submission form.

Share Your Experience

How will you commemorate 450 years of French History? We want to hear from you! Upload a picture or story and we may share it on Facebook and Twitter!

Commemorate 450

Ring for Ribault

In commemoration of the 450th anniversary of Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault's arrival at the mouth of what he called the "River of May," the City of Jacksonville is asking all area churches and vessels up and down the St. Johns River to ring their bells and sound their horns at noon on May 1.

Those interested in participating are asked to fill out the forms below:
 
 
 

Resource Library

An engraving based on a painting by Le MoyneExplore the impact that France has had on the history of our state. The Resource Library contains links to some valuable information and resources that detail the people and events that helped shape Florida's early history.
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