"I think it is one of the most majestic rivers in our country,” ponders Park Ranger Craig Morris aloud, standing on the highest ground along the St. Johns River, 30 minutes outside of Jacksonville. "This river has seen just about every chapter of American History.”
The St. Johns flows north to the Atlantic Ocean past Fort Caroline, part of the National Park Service. It’s along these banks where the French intended to colonize Florida in 1564 and seek religious freedom.
"These French Huguenots wanted to plant a new colony in the New World, show the king they'll still good Frenchmen,” said Morris, standing inside the walls of the fort.
According to Morris, France’s Fort Caroline predates the pilgrims of Thanksgiving fame by 60 years. Today, the fort built to protect the French Colony is open for visitors, sort of.
While the fort looks impressive, with a giant gate and a cannon perched and seemingly ready to fire, Craig says, you might want to take a double take.
Why?
The fort isn’t real.
"No. It's not the original, because we have never located the original,” Craig says.
This reproduction was made to teach history and simulate the imagination. Imagine it as a life-sized diorama, like one a student would make for a school project, to help connect visitors the area's little-known French colonial legacy.
"Jacksonville has little architecture that resembles French architecture," said Morris. "Our football team is not the Saints, we're the Jaguars."
A recreation of a Timacuan Indian hut and midden mound are found nearby. A permanent display shows the photos of dogs who visit the park frequently.
Yes, at this National Park, your dog is welcome.
"It's Florida's natural treasure,” Morris concludes.
Fort Caroline is part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. Across the St. John’s River awaits the Kingsley Plantation, part of the National Park Service. Click here to read more about the plantation.
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Tankful on Demand
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Scott Fais joins Travel Monthly
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