Fort Caroline National Memorial was created to memorialize the Sixteenth Century French effort to establish a permanent colony in Florida. After initial exploration in 1562, the French established "la Caroline" in June 1564. Spanish forces arrived 15 months later. Marching north from their newly established beachhead (San Augustin) they captured la Caroline in September, 1565.

Nothing remains of the original Fort de la Caroline; a near full-scale rendering of the fort, together with exhibits in the visitor center, provide information on the history of the French colony, their interaction with the native Timucua, and the colonists' brief struggle for survival.

 Directions 

Plane - Jacksonville International Airport is about 20 miles northwest of the park. Visitors must provide their own transportation (taxi or private automobile) to the park.

Car - Fort Caroline National Memorial is located near the intersection of Monument Road and Fort Caroline Road, approximately 14 miles east of downtown Jacksonville. For detailed driving directions, please refer to the Fort Caroline Visitors Guide.

Public Transportation - There is no public transportation to Fort Caroline National Memorial.