Stories of the Bluff

Early French records mention a "mountain" in the landscape descriptions of the area near Fort de la Caroline. Those familiar with Florida geography will notice an issue with such a description. Some historians assume that the so called "mountain" may be the bluff along what they called the River of May, we know it as St. Johns Bluff.

The history of this area and its strategic importance as a lookout, starts long before the French arrived. Perhaps even from this very point Timucua speaking Mocama watched as French ships sailed up the river. From indigenous people, to English naturalists, Civil War battles, to a National Park Service site today the timeline of St. Johns Bluff can be explored with these educational videos. We hope to highlight the science, technology, and artforms of the past. Please enjoy the Stories of the Bluff.

 

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  Engineering and Indigenous People

  Timucuan people used technology and science to survive in Northeast Florida. From simple machines and botany, to pyrotechnology and observation of animal behavior. Stories from the Bluff are shared in this educational series on the people who lived on and around the St. Johns Bluff through time.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 5 seconds

 

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  French Technology in a Foreign Land

  The technology behind French black powder weapons seems simple today but what these tools meant to indigenous people is a bit more complex. Stories from the Bluff are shared in this educational series on the people who lived on and around the St. Johns Bluff through time.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 43 seconds

 

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  William Bartram and the St. Johns Bluff

  Naturalists like William Bartram were experts at observation. His records, descriptions, and illustrations, help us understand the natural world of our past. Stories from the Bluff are shared in this educational series on the people who lived around or visited the St. Johns Bluff through time.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 37 seconds

 

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  Gullah Geechee Community Songs

  Ranger Ted tells us about the Gullah Geechee communities in places like Kingsley Plantation. He explores their music traditions and the local Cosmo Gullah Geechee community performs.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 6 seconds

 

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  The Battle of St Johns Bluff

  Learn about a Civil War Battle for control over the river. Stories from the Bluff are shared in this educational series on the people who lived on and around the St. Johns Bluff through time.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 50 seconds

 

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  Recreation at the Bluff Today

  Today the St. Johns Bluff is recognized less for its strategic value and more for its health and recreational opportunities. Stories from the Bluff are shared in this educational series on the people who lived on and around the St. Johns Bluff through time.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 2 seconds