Event marks anniversary of French colony in SC

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — A ceremony on Parris Island marks the 450th anniversary of the founding of a French colony on the South Carolina coast.

Charlesfort was established in 1562 on Parris Island, which is now the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Ceremonies on Friday include officials from both the United States and France.

Charlesfort lasted less than two years and suffered a grisly end.

Jean Ribaut landed with 159 settlers, but within a few months returned to Europe to get more men and supplies.

He was detained in Europe and those left behind thought they had been abandoned. So they built a ship to return home. They made it, but on the way ran out of food and ate one of their own party to survive.

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