Fort Caroline and Its Leader

Rene de Goulaine de Laudonnière (c. 1529–1582) was the leader of La Caroline, the first permanent French settlement in the western hemisphere. In June 1564, with help from the Indigenous Timucua-speaking people, French colonists built a village and fort on the south banks of the St. John’s River in present-day Florida.

The story behind Fort Caroline and Its Leader is the story of Laudonnière’s faith and courage. Despite its short existence, La Caroline provided economic and religious freedom to its inhabitants—two principles fundamental to the United States. Today, Fort Caroline National Memorial commemorates not only Laudonnière, but the men, women, and children who once populated this area of Duval County.

Product Details:

• Historical nonfiction
• 66 pages, softcover booklet, 6” x 9”
• Text by Charles E. Bennett
• Printed in USA, published by Eastern National