Videos

In 1562, Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault made landfall at the mouth of our treasured St. Johns River and set a stone on its shores to claim the land for France. Four-hundred and fifty years later, local officials, residents and dignitaries from France gathered around a replica of that stone to commemorate that historic event. You can watch videos from the rededication ceremony and more events from the City of Jacksonville's sesquiquadricentennial celebrations.

Commemorate 450: Rededication of Ribault Monument

The City of Jacksonville celebrated 450 years of French history in early May 2012. One of the many events included the rededication of the Ribault Monument at Ft. Caroline National Memorial.

Commemorate 450: Ribault Family Gift to the City of Jacksonville

The City of Jacksonville celebrated 450 years of French history in early May 2012. One of the many events included the rededication of the Ribault Monument at Ft. Caroline National Memorial.

Commemorate 450: Welcome on the Water

Mayor Alvin Brown with Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner welcomed two French Navy Tall Ships, the Belle Poule and Etoile, as they moored at the Northbank Riverwalk in Downtown Jacksonville. The ships, which arrived from France, sailed from Mayport to commemorate the 450th Anniversary of French Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault's arrival in Northeast Florida. The City of Jacksonville held a press conference immediately after the ships arrived, which included remarks from Mayor Brown, French dignitaries and performances from the Ribault Middle School band.

Commemorate 450: Legion of Honor Medal Ceremony

As part of the Commemorate 450 historical related activities in early May, three American WWII veterans who served in France were honored.

The ceremony took place on Jacksonville's Northbank against the backdrop of two French Navy Tall Ships, the Belle Poule and Etoile. The ships, which arrived from France, sailed from Mayport to commemorate the 450th Anniversary of French Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault's arrival in Northeast Florida.

The veterans, two of which were present to receive the honor, were welcomed by the French Consul General, Gaël de Maisonneuve (Miami) will award the French Legion of Honor.

American WWII veterans General Henry Newcomer, Mr. Walter Rogers Jr., and Mr. Ralph Williams were honored for their service in France.

Commemorate 450: French Tall Ships Moor at Northbank of Jacksonville

Jacksonville residents welcomed two French Navy Tall Ships, the Belle Poule and Etoile, as they moored at the Northbank Riverwalk in Downtown Jacksonville.

Commemorate 450: Ring for Ribault

To commemorate the 450th anniversary of Huguenot Captain Jean Ribault's arrival on the First Coast, the City of Jacksonville asked area churches and vessels up and down the St. Johns River to ring their bells and sound their horns on May 1, 2012 at noon.

Mayor Alvin Brown and Gaël de MAISONNEUVE, Consul Général de France à Miami, together, rang the bell at Mayport Presbyterian Church. Church Elder Janice Strickland explained the significance of the event.

Commemorate 450: Mayor Brown Presents Students with Junior Ranger Badges

After studying nature and local history, students from Ft. Caroline Elementary received special badges with the Commemorate 450 seal. Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown was honored to pass out the Junior Ranger badges.

City of Jacksonville