Port Royal's rich history may be one of the reasons we're so far from ordinary.
When we think of Port Royal today, we cannot untangle it from its vibrant, tumultuous, inspiring and strategic history. With deep ties to its environment, it is hard to imagine a life in Port Royal without its lush marsh and brilliant sunsets. Nor can we remember its past without recognizing the power struggles for control over the territory, as its seven flags add another layer of significance to the town's past.
Brushstrokes from natives, explorers, and centuries of diverse life, Port Royal lends its stunning canvas to the casting of many colors along its historical journey. With its soul entrenched in the human spirit, it is understandable why such a diverse population has called Port Royal home over the centuries.
Jean Ribaut
One of the artists in Port Royal's past is Jean Ribaut. The spirit and perseverance of the French Huguenot can both enlighten and inspire us even today. Port Royal's history did not begin with the appearance of Jean Ribaut in 1562, but his footprint on this special island left behind the impressions of tenacity, respect and compassion.
The tale of his expeditions is one of both human endurance and religious liberty, driven by a desire to escape cruel persecution and establish a safe haven in the New World. The Huguenots' ultimate desire was to establish a society where they could exercise their religious beliefs free from tyranny.
Jean Ribault was a shining example of this ideal, exhibiting his anti-slavery stance by treating the indigenous people with dignity and respect as equal neighbors. In a time when the transatlantic slave trade was thriving, Ribaut fostered diplomatic relations with indigenous people and opposed the institution of slavery. His actions spoke volumes about his character and his commitment to upholding the principles of liberty and equality.
It serves as a reminder that while we must be steadfast in our pursuit of what we hold most dear, we should always remember the importance of kindness and brotherhood.
His mark on early Port Royal history cannot be understated, as we look ahead, knowing better who we are as a people will give us direction, confidence, and hope.
Jean Ribaut - Quite the Seaman
Ribaut, who was born in Dieppe, France in 1520, embarked on his naval career at a young age and swiftly advanced through the ranks to become a dependable officer under Admiral Gaspard de Coligny. He was recognized as the foremost French seaman of his era, which was a noteworthy recognition by his Spanish rival Pedro Menendez. Ribaut was guided by two core principles that fueled his life: his persecuted Huguenot faith and his profound love for French patriotism, which he believed to be one of the most noble of ideals. He was endowed with the gift of persuasion, magnetic charm, and tremendous influence over his subordinates.
The Massacre of Vassy in early 1562, where more than a hundred Huguenots were wounded or killed, sparked diplomatic endeavors to establish religious freedom and tolerance for the Huguenots in the New World. In February of 1562, the French Huguenot leader Admiral Gaspard de Coligny was granted a commission by King Charles IX, who was still a child himself, to establish a colony in the New World.
Admiral de Coligny personally chose Ribaut to be the commander of his first expedition to Florida in order to begin a Protestant settlement there, in spite of Spanish opposition. Ribaut's lieutenant was none other than Rene Goulaine de Laudonniere, the future commander of Fort Caroline. The King believed that planting French settlers in the New World would not only diffuse religious conflicts in France but also strengthen France's claim to a portion of North America.
The New World
In May of that year, Ribaut arrived at the mouth of the St. John's River with his fleet of three ships and 150 soldiers. After disembarking, he took possession of the land in the name of France. Ribaut continued sailing north until he reached Port Royal, in present-day Parris Island.
"The St. John's [River] has lost its exquisite name of the River of May — and our South Atlantic coast cannot be blamed, perhaps, for keeping the Indian names of its rivers instead of the old French ones. Alone of them all, Port Royal and Port Royal Sound in South Carolina have retained the designation given them by Jean Ribaut." - Jeannette Thurber Connor
Following an exploration of the surrounding neighborhood and the establishment of friendly relationships with the local inhabitants, Ribaut proceeded to erect a second column in honor of King Charles on May 22 (the first column being at St. John's). Subsequently, he set sail for France, leaving behind 27 individuals consisting of gentlemen, soldiers, and mariners to await his return from France.
With his soldiers gathered around him, he delivered a powerful speech, something in which he was renowned for. He drew upon the lessons of antiquity to underscore the importance of their newly established settlement to their youthful monarch and called for volunteers to defend it in his absence.
With eager responses from the listeners, he hand-selected them and appointed Albert de la Pierria as their captain. Laudonniere and Captain Salles located a spot close to Chenonceau Creek and a stream that fed into the Beaufort River, where they planned to construct a fort. This spot became the site of the tiny blockhouse known to history as Charlesfort, to honor King Charles IX, and is the first Protestant settlement in North America.
After bidding farewell to the freshly established colony on June 11, Ribaut, in the company of Laudonniere, set sail for France, leaving behind artillery, ammunition, and limited provisions. Ribaut's safe return to his homeland on July 20 was marred by the realization that France was ensnared in religious civil wars. Despite his promise to return to the settlers, Ribaut was delayed by the volatile political situation in his country.
Ribaut was an active participant in the rebellion of his Huguenot compatriots in Dieppe against the Catholic government of France. Despite English reinforcements, Dieppe ultimately surrendered to the French on October 20, 1562, prompting Ribaut to flee to England. It was during his time in England that Ribaut negotiated for his return to Charlesfort and to hand the infant settlement over to Thomas Stukeley on behalf of the English.
Ribaut had a strong desire to return to Florida and was willing to cooperate with English interests, provided they helped him in the fight against Spain. However, it seems highly unlikely that he ever had any intention of delivering Charlesfort to any foreign power. It is quite probable that Ribaut learned of Stukeley's treacherous, two-timing actions in forming an alliance with the Spaniards, which would explain why he, as a Huguenot and a patriot, sought to flee England and dealings with Stukeley. Regrettably, Ribaut, along with other escapees, were apprehended during their attempt and sent to the Tower of London.
During the same period of time when France was engaged in war and Ribaut was imprisoned in the Tower of London, the Charlesfort colony faced its own set of challenges, including internal rebellions and the looming threat of starvation, which ultimately led to their unfortunate demise.
The strict discipline imposed by Captain Pierria led to a rebellion, resulting in his overthrow and his death. To make matters worse, a fire consumed the majority of the settlement's meager supplies. The settlers who managed to survive the harsh conditions resolved to build a makeshift boat and brave the tumultuous seas in an attempt to reach France. The voyage was a grueling one and many lost their lives, yet they persevered and eventually made it to the shores of England where they were ultimately rescued.
The fate of Charlesfort is a vivid example of the hardships encountered by early American pioneer life. They bring to life the striking illustration of the consequences of recklessness and neglect. Both the French and Spaniards depended on expected supply shipments or support from Native American allies for food, instead of sowing and planting for themselves.
Once hearing of Ribaut's settlement in Port Royal, Catholic King Philip II of Spain immediately ordered vessels from Cuba to be sent to destroy Ribaut's erected columns and Charlesfort itself, if possible, despite the temporary peace between the nations. Although Ribaut's first column in Florida eluded Commander Manrique de Rojas, he managed to discover the then-abandoned Charlesfort in May 1564 with the aid of an unwilling boy who had stayed behind when the others returned to France. As a result, Rojas took the boy prisoner and he set the primitive blockhouse on fire, burning it to ashes.
After Charlesfort
Ribaut's story doesn't end in the Tower of London. Following his release from prison and with Charlesfort abandoned, Ribaut returned to Florida in August of 1565, accompanied by a fleet of seven ships, a fresh supply of resources, and a thousand Huguenots.
However, upon his arrival at Fort Caroline, Ribaut was met with the Spanish's insistence on their claim to Florida. King Philip II of Spain had dispatched Captain Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, a Spanish explorer, to put an end to the French encroachment in Florida.
Just weeks after Ribaut's arrival, Menendez arrives as well. This marked a crucial turning point in Ribaut's already extraordinary tale.
Through a series of misfortunes and disasters, this proved to be Ribaut's final voyage to the New World. Upon the arrival of Menendez, Ribaut and his adversary engaged in a series of tactical pursuits. Ribaut remained steadfast in his resolve to pursue the Spanish, and not even persuasive reasoning could sway him. He shared with Laudonniere a letter from Admiral de Coligny, interpreting it as a directive to attack the Spanish vessels and Pedro Menendez without hesitation, to which Laudonniere would reluctantly join him in the pursuit.
They would both ultimately lose their life in his pursuit of Menendez.
Menendez has gained an unfortunate place in history for sanctioning the dishonorable killing of approximately 150-350 French Huguenots, among whom was Jean Ribaut. The French, resolute in their beliefs, refused to abandon their faith and professed their allegiance to the new Lutheran religion when questioned after their surrender, "Are you Catholics or Lutherans, and are there any who wish to confess?" There, on Anastasia Island, virtually all of the men were brutally executed with the exception of a few Catholic musicians and young boys.
Historical records reveal that Ribaut was stabbed in the stomach by Captain San Vicente, while Gonzalo de Solis pierced his breast with a pike, and then Ribaut's head was severed (although Meraz, Menendez's brother-in-law, denied any involvement). Just a side note - history rights herself and revenge was later had by Dominique de Gourgues in 1568.
This atrocity, commonly referred to as the "Matanzas Massacre," has gone down in history as a grim reminder of the religious persecution and violence that marred early American colonialism.
His Legacy
Jean Ribaut's exploratory endeavors in Port Royal set the stage for the establishment of European influence in the New World, greatly influencing early American History. Even today, his profound influence continues to be evident, solidifying his status as a crucial figure in the history of Port Royal, South Carolina. Ribaut’s keen navigational skills and detailed accounts of his explorations significantly expanded European knowledge of the area and paved the way for subsequent missions, ultimately shaping the history of Port Royal and the wider region.
While slavery was rampant during his time, Ribaut stood as a beacon of compassion and respect, valuing the inherent dignity of all individuals. His expedition to the New World was not driven by the pursuit of wealth or power, but rather by the noble goal of creating a safe haven for Huguenot Christians escaping persecution in France.
Despite the tragic end to Ribaut's life at the hands of the Spanish, his impact on the New World cannot be overlooked. Ribaut's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. He is a testament to his unwavering commitment to religious freedom, equality, and human rights.
By recognizing the challenges endured by the French Huguenots in both their homeland and in the New World, and acknowledging their steadfast determination to protect the liberties and freedoms we hold dear, we can gain a deeper understanding of Ribaut's role in the history of Port Royal.
Jean Ribaut's story remains a source of inspiration for the people of Port Royal to aspire to a better world founded on the principles of freedom and tolerance. Port Royalians can take pride in the fact that it once stood as a beacon of hope, offering a haven for those who cherished the ideals that are held sacred and intrinsic in modern times.
Looking Forward
While our town may have been scarred by atrocities, we must also recognize the resilience and determination of the American grit that has emerged in the face of that adversity. Despite the loss of Charlesfort, Ribaut's accounts of Port Royal and his prudent interactions with the Natives sparked a pursuit to abandon old ways of thinking in Europe and aspire for something greater. In fact, Ribaut's publication in 1563 of "The Whole & True Discouerye of Terra Florida" led to a meeting with Queen Elizabeth, demonstrating the impact of his endeavors.
Our little town of Port Royal, with its natural, lush beauty, welcoming Natives, and invigorating soul, stirred the imagination of history's great kings and queens.
As we ponder our future, we can't help but wonder about the roots of our hospitable nature as Port Royalians. Could it be attributed to the spirit of our Native ancestors, or does this essence stem from the influence of our French forefathers? Regardless of the origin, our diverse community seeks solace in our quaint streets, away from the chaotic and divided world.
Surely we note, with our Marine base situated where Charlesfort once stood, we showcase our commitment to religious freedom, equality, and human rights. As we gather as a community, we foster a welcoming environment and strive toward a better future, continuing to carry the torch of liberty forward.
From across the vast ocean, even monarchs recognized the exceptional nature and significance of Port Royal.
Gaining a deeper understanding of our collective identity as a community can guide us toward a promising tomorrow. Let us establish a town that values the inherent worth of every individual and upholds justice, regardless of the sacrifice. Rather than allowing our differences to divide us, let us foster a sense of unity through mutual regard and a spirit of honor. We can learn from our ancestors the importance of self-sufficiency, cultivating our own sense of fortitude, and determing our own growth and development rather than leaning on outside sources.
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