Matanzas Bay

  

Beautiful views of the Matanzas Bay show you why St. Augustine was considered such a strategic location. Matanzas means killing or slaughter in Spanish. Matanzas Bay is named for the massacre of shipwrecked French Huguenots led by Jean Ribault from nearby Fort Caroline (located north of St. Augustine in Jacksonville), the first French colony in the present day United States. Ribault's fleet shipwrecked about 14 miles south of St. Augustine. Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (the founder of St. Augustine) was ordered by the Spanish Crown to execute any Protestants found in the New World. In all, 111 Frenchman were killed. 16 survived as they professed their Catholism or were needed as artisans in St. Augustine. Two weeks later, another massacre of more French shipwreck survivors occurred with 134 being killed including Jean Ribault.

 

This page contains facts and is about Matanzas Bay with related information, fun facts for kids, interesting tourist info, history, and other interesting and sometimes weird tidbits of visitor information. You will find between 5 and 10 facts about Matanzas Bay that are designed to help you with your visit. If you are looking for great deals and rates on hotels, check out our hotel room reservation engine. Our local hotel, motel, and lodging reservation search is powered by Expedia.com. To get started, Click Here