The concrete pillars and shallow depression here mark the outline and moat of a fortification excavated by the Marine Corps in 1923. The archaeological dig was supervised by Major George Osterhout, who believed this was the site of the French Huguenot outpost Charlesfort, founded in 1562 by Jean Ribaut. In 1925, an obelisk was erected to honor the early French explorers, and Major Osterhout was among the dignitaries present for the dedication in March 1926. Recent excavations have revealed that this was instead the site of the Spanish Fort San Marcos, which guarded the town of Santa Elena from 1577 to 1587. In 1996, the actual site of Charlesfort was found 200 yards north of here.