According to this route found in a historical account, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto appears to have crossed the Ocmulgee River very near present-day Jacksonville, Ga., in 1540.
Likewise, Franciscan friar Fray Luis Geronimo de Ore, seems to have visited, monitored and nurtured a Spanish mission just east of Jacksonville, Ga., circa 1616-1636. Fernbank Museum of Natural History is currently doing archaeological digs in this area. The evidence is mounting! Jacksonville, Ga. has a lot of history and we should do all we can to promote this great heritage and asset!