St Augustine was preceded by Fort Caroline a French settlement just north at Mayport, Jacksonville Beach..... the River of May. The history is detailed by René Goulaine de Laudonnière who wrote his book in 1586 describing his three voyages. It is perhaps the best account of early settlements existent
The Catholic Spanish landed near St Augustine, then raided and massacred the French protestants at Ft Caroline. The returned and founded the settlement.
Thank you for the info on Ft Caroline!
There was another massacre of Hugonauts at Ft Matanzas, just south of St Augustine Beach. The place is marked by a Nature Trail and a Memorial Stone. Nearby is a free boat ride out to the old Spanish Fort which guarded the south approach to St. Augustine by way of the River. Both the River and the Fort now bear the name “Matanzas” which means “SLAUGHTER.”