Fort Matanzas National Monument Park

Matanzas is the Spanish word for massacre. The name refers to the nearly 250 French Huguenots who were killed by the Spanish in 1565. Only days after the founding of St. Augustine the French from Fort Caroline lurked outside the harbor, checking out the new Spanish fort. A hurricane blew the French ships south where they wrecked near the sight of Fort Matanzas. Pedro Menéndez took advantage of the storm and marched his men over land to Fort Caroline and seized it. A few weeks later Menéndez learned of the Frenchmen’s plight and headed south. The killing of the French, who had surrendered, became known as the massacre. The Fort itself was not built until the 1700s to protect the southern entry into the harbor.

In spite of its troubling history, Fort Matanzas is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. We were ferried across the river to the island in one of the park’s boats. We were able to tour the fort and listen to a park ranger explain the fort’s history. The park also includes nature trails, a movie at the Visitor’s Center, and a picnic area. Fort Matanzas provides a real sense of Florida’s beginnings and nature.

Fort Matanzas is located 15 miles south from St. Augustine on A1A.