Fort Caroline National Memorial

Fort Caroline National Memorial is a park with 138.39 acres. It is run by the government as a tourist destination. However, before the park became a place for tourists and residents it was the site of battles. These battles were held between France, Britain and Spain as the fight for occupation over Florida continued. Fort de la Caroline was built to protect the French settlement in 1564. It was the first French settlement in the US. It is near the banks of St. Johns River.

The original fort is no longer at the site due to weather issues. It was washed away one year in the 19th century. A replica of the fort was built based on Jacques le Moyne sketches. It is this building guests can visit while at the park. There is also a memorial at the visitor center for Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The center has a number of rare artifacts such as a wooden owl.

The park is under the control of National Parks Conservation Association. They take donations and volunteers to help out and keep the park and memorial in shape. The memorial plaque outlines the history and important French settlement facts.