The Ribault Club was established in 1928 as a playground for the affluent. The Club was marketed to wealthy Northerners and the Jacksonville elite as an early attempt to develop Florida’s real estate and tourism potential. A visiting Boston guest sent a letter enclosing dues for life stating, ‘Life at the Club is as congenial as a house party.’ Such is the legacy of the Ribault Club. The Club faltered through the Depression and World War II. It was sold several times, used for a variety of purposes, and finally boarded up and left as a distant reminder of what once was.

Five years ago the Florida Park Service assembled a group of interested citizens, The Ribault Task Force, and posed the question- ‘Is the Ribault Club worth saving and how could it be used to best serve the community in the park setting?’ Interest and support rallied. Initial restoration funding began with the Florida Park Service and Historic Preservation Grants from the Florida Department of State. The project was completed through the innovative partnership between the City of Jacksonville, the National Park Service, and the Florida Park Service, now known as the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks.

This historic landmark now serves as a gateway to the Timucuan Trail, with interpretive displays and an Eastern National book store, orienting visitors to the rich 6000 year history of Fort George Island. The Club’s Grand Rooms are available for rental, which supports the continued maintenance and protection of this architectural treasure.

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