07/10/2024
When the French were first exploring Florida, they brought along an accomplished artist by the name of Jacques La Moyone. La Moyone was to assist with mapmaking and documenting the new world of Florida for France He arrived at the mouth of the St. John’s river in 1564 with Rene Goulaine de Laudonnière, the founder of Fort Caroline on Florida’s East Coast.
La Moyone’s work is a peak into the world of the first people of Florida. He documented their customs, ceremonies, rituals, and even historic events during his travels through the state. My two favorite are the drawings depicting how the Florida natives harvested, alligator and deer. If you are a Florida historian, you will recognize his maps…..his other work is worth a closer look.
