To many travelers, Amelia Island is a newfound paradise. But centuries of people have been drawn to its tranquil shores and exquisite natural beauty.
According to local folklore and historical evidence, Timucuan Indians first inhabited Amelia Island as early as 2000 BC. The Timucuan people were known for elaborate body tattoos in yellow, black, blue and red.
The island was originally named “Isle de Mai” (Island of May) by Jean Ribault, a Huguenot leader who landed on Amelia Island in 1562. It is said that when Ribault and his troops arrived, they were welcomed by the Timcuans and given baskets of berries. Even though the Spanish had claimed the area in 1513, these French colonists showed interest in the Island to claim land for France and to seek refuge from the religious and political persecution given to Huguenots. Though Ribault and his company did not settle on Amelia Island, other Huguenots landed in 1564. This second colony constructed Fort Caroline in Northern Jacksonville near the mouth of the St. John’s River. In 1565, Spanish troops came to the area, killed the French settlers and regained the territory, which they had claimed as their...