May 1, 2012: Unveiling of Mural of Jean Ribault's Landing In NE Florida, May 1, 1562

At 5 p.m., May 1, 2012, in Special Collections, 4th floor of the Main Library, the Jacksonville Public Library will host the unveiling of Lee Adams' mural of French Captain Jean Ribault's landing at the mouth of the River of May (as he named it; now known at the St. Johns River), May 1, 1562.  He claimed the land for the King of France and raised a monument commemorating his claim the next day as depicted in the painting.

The mural actually spans a time period of 1562-1565.  When Jean Ribault set the original pillar in place commemorating his claim of the land for France, May 2, 1562, he could not have imagined how many people over the next 450 years would be interested in his historic claim.  Even U.S. Sen. Charles Bennett wrote a book, Settlement of Florida, that included the French exploits of this era, and many have searched out the details of Jean Ribault's and his compatriots' adventures exploring our area and the native people they met.

The 450th anniversary will be celebrated by other local organizations (click here for more informton: http://www.coj.net/commemorate450.aspx)

Mrs. Lyn Corley, a long-time resident of Jacksonville and a Florida history buff, worked diligently to see this largely restored mural finally housed at the Main Library where many people can see the mural and be inspired to search out Florida's rich history.