Florida Historical Markers Programs - Marker Detail
MASSACRE OF THE FRENCH-MATANZAS INLET
Location:200 ft. S. of Matanzas Inlet Bridge, W. side A1A.
County: St. Johns
City: Summer Haven
Description: In 1565 some 300 French castaways, under Jean Ribault, were massacred here by Spaniards, crushing their attempt to occupy Florida. The French ships, sailing from Fort Caroline to attack St. Augustine, were driven ashore by a storm. At this inlet most of the survivors were put to the knife by Don Pedro Menendez. Hence it was named Matanzas, meaning Slaughters.
Sponsors: In Cooperation with St. Johns County Historical Commission
