“R” is for Ribault, Jean (ca. 1515-1565). Explorer, mariner. Ribault established the short-lived colonial outpost of Charlesfort, the earliest French settlement in the present-day United States, in Port Royal Sound. A native of Normandy, Ribault had a reputation as one of France’s most accomplished mariners. In 1562 he was commissioned to lead an expedition to North America. His force of 150 men in two small ships landed near modern Jacksonville, Florida. Ribault then explored north along the coast claiming the territory for France. Before returning home he left about two dozen men in a small garrison, named Charlesfort. In 1565 he led an expedition to reinforce the new French settlement at Fort Caroline on the St. John’s River. A Spanish force inflicted a crushing defeat on the French, killing Jean Ribault and hundreds of soldiers and civilians
“R” is for Ribault, Jean (ca. 1515-1565)
