Fall History Timeline

Ponce starts his journey.

Apr 2, 1513

Ponce De Leon wanted to journey to explore the islands of the Bimini. He spotted land April 2nd, 1513. Though not the Bimini. He shows up and named it "Tierra la Florida." As it states in the text read, "And claimed the land for Spain."

Ponce meets the natives!

Apr 2, 1513

Ponce de Leon shortly after decided that he would sail South, and then along the west coast of Florida which is also home of the Calusa natives. Ponce runs into the Spanish natives and is told to wait for the Calusa chief. Not long after his "arrival" He was ambushed by war canoes and was undergoing an attack.

Spanish is under attack.

1521

Although the Spanish repelled the attack, later withdrawing from the land. And going along the southwest coast, where he is encountered again by the Calusa. After being attacked, and shot with an arrow Ponce travels back to Cuba. He then dies.

French against the Spanish.

1560

French corsairs were targeting Spanish ships, which enriched the French while putting down the Spanish. Gaspard De Coligny, a Frenchman/Huguenot wanted to prove they were loyal to France.

The French Settlements.

1562

Just awhile later, Ribault sailed further north to Parris Island, where he came across friendly natives. He then established France's presence by building a fort, which he called Charles fort. In honor of the French king. He also left behind some men to leave a mark for good. "As it states in the text, "Left 30 men to mark the French presence.

French Explorers !

May 1, 1562

Jean Ribault was sent in 1562 to find a somewhat suitable location to colonize. As he was an experienced corsair, he set sail May 1st. While sailing he encountered the River Mow (Today is known as the St. Johns River.) He then claimed it for France. As it states in the text, "A 20th century painting commemorating this event hangs at the JPL!" Which is where you can see it today.

French Encounters Native.

1564

The french settlement that was build, (Fort Caroline) was short lived due to native people. Rene de Laudinniere sailed to at the time the River May, built fort caroline as well as meeting with a Saturiwa, a local Timucuan Cheif.

Treasures from land.

1565

After Laudonniere was told about the treasures that could be found, they in turn became allies with the Timucuan natives.
Shortly after finding out that they were not as loyal as they were said to be, and caused Laudonniere to write orders to take over, and plunder ships.

Spanish encounters with Native people.

1565

While the spanish ships were under attack, Philip the second of Spain was also alerted of the commotion going on. Which threatened the shipping lanes between the oceans

Spanish and French conflict.

Jun 8, 1565

Pedro Memendez de Aviles, a commander of the new expedition with the intent to settle La Florida, was experienced in fighting French corsairs, coming along with almost 1,000 soldiers and settlers. He had this planned before Fort Carolines founding. Two fleets of ship are crossing the Atlantic.

Winning or losings.

Sep 8, 1565

Mendendez lost half of his ships due to a storm as he was on the way, he does reach Florida. But he is unfortunately to late to stop Ribault. Both Spanish and French knew they were close to each other and were ready.

Attacked, and far gone.

Sep 20, 1568

Mendez took his chance to attack with his limited army of 500 men, to attack fort Caroline. The French defenders' lives were short lived, or fled because they were terrified of dying. The French later exacted revenge on the Spanish, when they were attacked by Dominic de Gourges. When he decided to attack Fort Caroline, which is now San Mateo, killed its occupants and burned it to the ground.