Jacksonville, Florida
Fort Caroline National Memorial commemorates the short-lived French presence in sixteenth-century Florida. It marks the site where French Huguenots established a colony in 1564, seeking religious freedom and territorial claims. The memorial features a scale model of the original fort, based on historical sketches, overlooking the St. Johns River.
The visitor center offers exhibits on the history of the French colony, the Timucua people they encountered, and the eventual Spanish conquest. Nature trails wind through the area, leading to the fort exhibit and offering views of the river. It is a place to learn about the early conflicts between European powers in the New World and the survival stories of the first settlers.