French 1562-1565

The Island's first recorded European visitor was the French Jean Ribault on May 3, 1562. He named the island "Isle De Mai."

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Spanish 1566-1763

The Spanish, under Pedro Menendez, defeated the French in 1565 and renamed the island "Santa Maria," which was derived from a mission here. The mission and settlement were destroyed in 1702 by the English. James Oglethorpe, who founded the colony of Georgia, renamed the island "Amelia" after the daughter of George II.

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English 1763-1783

The Island became known as "Egmont" from Earl of Egmont's large indigo plantation. Revolutionary forces invaded in 1777 and 1778.

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Spanish 1783-1821 (with 3 interruptions)

After the Revolution, Britain ceded Florida back to Spain under the terms of the Second Treaty of Paris. The Embargo Act of 1807, which closed U.S. ports to foreign shipping, made the border town of Fernandina a center of smuggling and piracy.

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Patriots

With secret U.S. blessings, the so-called "Patriots of Amelia Island" overthrew the Spanish and hoisted their own flag on March 17, 1812. They replaced it with the U.S. flag the next day, but Spain demanded return of the island.

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Green Cross of Florida

To liberate Florida from Spanish control, Sir Gregor MacGregor seized Amelia Island in June 1817, and hoisted his Green Cross standard which flew only for a brief time.

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Mexican Rebel Flag

Pirate Louis Aury left Texas to assist MacGregor in attacking Spanish Florida. He raised the Mexican rebel flag on September 21, 1817, and remained here for two months.

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United States 1821 to present (with one interruption)

Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1821. Work began on Fort Clinch in 1847.

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Confederate

Confederates took over Fort Clinch in April 1861, but federal troops regained it March 3, 1862, and occupied Fernandina for the duration of the War.