Seven of the Most Incredible Historic Sites in Florida
Submitted by Andy_B on Friday, 10 June 2022 Page Views: 2240
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The Miami Circle
The Miami Circle is the only evidence thus far of a prehistoric permanent structure hewn into the bedrock in the eastern US. This historical site is estimated to be between 1,700 and 2,000 years old. It’s believed to have been built by the Tequesta, a Native American tribe. Today, you can explore Florida with a catamaran rental in Miami, but this tribe traveled in dugout canoes to search for food.The site was discovered in 1998, On February 5, 2002, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places 4 years later. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2009.
Castillo De San Marcos
The Castillo De San Marcos national monument is the preserved remains of the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. The Spanish built this fort, found on the western shore of Matanzas Bay, to defend Florida and their Atlantic trade route. A remnant of 17th century St Augustine, it was recognized as a National Monument in 1924. It has been well preserved and does duty as a popular tourist attraction to this day.Crystal River State Archaeological Site
Crystal River Archaeological State Park is situated on 61-acres along the Crystal River in Citrus County, Florida. Here you will be able to view ancient burial mounds, temple mounds, and prehistoric sites.Also known as Crystal River Indian Mounds, it has been a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 1970. The conical mound at this site is believed to be the location of the earliest burials here, dating back to about 250 BC. But it is believed that this area was inhabited by Native Americans long before this.
But sites have been identified in Florida that are of far older origin, and thus of greater historical value. Prehistoric remains in western Palm Beach County were found to be situated in a site that could date back to the Archaic period.
Fort San Carlos De Barrancas
Following the US purchase of Florida, the wooden hill-top fortress was replaced by a brick structure. This fort continued to be of military use until it was finally deactivated in 1947, following World War II. Naval Air Station Pensacola was later developed around it.
Safety Harbor Site
It is well known that the Native Americans who lived in Florida centuries ago buried their dead in mounds. And this site in Philippe Park in Safety Harbor includes the largest remaining burial mound in the Tampa Bay area. A large temple mound, one smaller burial mound, and two shell middens can be seen here. But several ancient Native American burial mounds have been found in other areas in the south.Early Spanish explorers of the region described this site as the capital city of the Tocobaga people. The Safety Harbor Site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
Fort Matanzas was constructed by the Spanish in 1742. Its purpose was to guard the southern mouth of the Matanzas River, on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida. Known to them as Torre de Matanzas, this masonry structure was made mostly out of coquina, a local shell stone building material.Fort Matanzas was designated a United States National Monument in 1924. The monument consists of the fort and about 100 acres of salt marsh and small barrier islands along the Matanzas River.
Roberts Island Complex
Not far from the Crystal River Indian Mounds landmark, you’ll find the Roberts Island complex. This site developed when other ceremonial sites in the region were abandoned during the 7th or 8th century.
Three shell mounds and three middens still stand here today, and two of these mounds may have originally had stepped sides. Dating from the Late Woodland Period, it divides the Crystal River and its distributary, the Salt River, where they diverge.
