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Series 1/Pt-1: "Mound Village"
Ancient Mound site in “Sanford, Florida” along the Welaka (“St Johns“) River also called the ‘River of Lakes’ translated from the Indigenous term. The earthen structure still present is graced by an old moss-covered oak tree along with tall palms and other lovely trees.
Series 1/Pt-2: Big Tree “Park"
Named after the 3,500-year old bald cypress tree that once was a popular landmark used by Indigenous People and early travelers navigating the waterways of the Welaka River, this site continues as home to “Lady Liberty” (a 2,000-year old cypress) and “The Phoenix” (a seedling from “The Big Tree”) providing family enjoyment in a beauty-filled natural setting. A pathway leads through wonderful forest and marshy terrain, where snail shells are visible in the soil. Also, Spring Hammock Preserve is located nearby, featuring more ancient cypress trees and vast wilderness areas.
Series 1/Pt-3: "Hontoon Island"
An ancient mound site located on the Welaka River near “Deland, Florida” that is said to contain evidence of habitation by Indigenous People for thousands of years. Transport to the island is via ferry or boat; a 1.5 mile natural trail (one-way) offers amazing views of various trees, shrubs and shell-lined paths guiding the exciting journey to the top. There are plenty of opportunities for observing edible plants, small animals and varied birds. An old oak tree marks the end of the trail.
Series 1/Pt-4: Mound "Lake Ashby"
This beautiful lake is situated in “Enterprise, Florida” on the Welaka River and near “New Smyrna” Beach on the coast. Indigenous People inhabited the Territory and created the mounds, leaving significant footprints of shells embedded in soil along a nature trail and along the elevated slopes of developed roadways leading into the “park”.
The incredible Eschaskotes Mound (also known as the “Oelsner” Site) is located near the Pithlachascotee River in “Port Richey, Florida”. Reportedly, it was the highest point overlooking an industrious village of Aboriginal, Indigenous People, who enjoyed abundance, honoring nature and respecting the waterways and land. An ancient carved rock stele can be viewed nearby.
Series 2/Pt-2: Mound "Safety Harbor"
This impressive mound site is located in “Safety Harbor” and overlooks “Old Tampa Bay”. Indigenous People known as the “Tocobaga Chiefdom” established their village capital containing a large “Temple Mound,” several smaller mounds, and a plaza. The surrounding “park” features old oak trees and many other trees along a wandering trail and panoramic views of the water below.
Series 2/Pt-3: "Weedon Island"
A 3,200-acre coastal ecosystem located in “St Petersburg, Florida” along the shores of “Old Tampa Bay”, which showcases beautiful scenes of birds wading or gliding overhead; intricate mangroves and aquatic plants providing shelter and food; and numerous trails through interesting natural environments—some with elevated terrains, tannin-filled streams, and embedded shells.
Series 2/Pt-4: Mounds "Maximo Park"
This significant mound site encompasses 40 acres and is located in “St Petersburg, Florida” along picturesque “Boca Ciega” Bay. Indigenous People lived along these shores for greater than 14,000 years based on artifacts recovered and visible portions of mound villages in the area. Many traiis lead through natural forests with varied old trees and many earthen elevations inundated with embedded shells and shell fragments.
Series 2/Pt-5: "Abercrombie Park"
What a fascinating site located along the shores of “Boca Ciega” Bay, where Indigenous People established a large village thousands of years ago. This peaceful site contains Indigenous footprints, like the pathway around a narrow stream, embedded with shell fragments, flowing toward the bay. Heading to the shoreline—the canopy of majestic oak trees is spectacular.
Series 2/Pt-6: "Terra Ceia” Mound
The large Ancient Mound here, constructed by the Aboriginal, Indigenous People of North America, stands tall adorned with a myriad of trees, shrubs and plants that usually do not exist this far north of the tropics. The calcite in the soil aids in the good health of vegetation and is due to the shells utilized in mound building and planting. Many tall and beautiful gumbo limbo trees can be seen and appreciated as well as the clear, lovely water in “Terra Ceia Bay”. Mangroves grow abundantly securing the shoreline.
Series 2/Pt-7: "Emerson Point"
This 370-acre preserve features several Ancient Mounds built thousands of years ago by the First Nation People of this continent. Effigy mounds, or mounds constructed in the shape of lifeforms, are recorded to be on location. The Manatee River runs adjacent to the mound complex and also “Terra Ceia” Bay is in close proximity. Abundant vegetation, wading birds and small mammals can also be observed.
Series 2/Pt-8: "Pinellas Point"
The large, flat top mound signifies the location of a “Saint Petersburg” village established by Indigenous People called Tocobaga, who lived along the shores of the Territory. It served as the Chief’s abode and his daughter was the focus of “the History of Hirrihigua legend”. This incredible site adds beauty to the neighborhood and features various trees and vegetation, like coontie plants and banyan trees. A rare Atala butterfly was also observed.
Situated on the shore of “Boca Ciega” Bay at “Saint Petersburg”, this impressive Tocobaga Mound Complex spans many acres within the community where recoveries include ancient tools for large-scale production using shell, bone and shark teeth. Natural beauty abounds showcasing varieties of palms, oak trees and greenery. Also, Zebra Longwing butterflies and peacocks were observed and appreciated. The picturesque water views are quite memorable.
Series 2/Pt-10: Mound-”Englewood"
This extensive mound complex (some call “Paulson Point”) is located on the scenic shores of Lemon Bay with access to the Gulf of Mexico, where Indigenous People were attracted by abundant natural resources on land and water. Recoveries include quartz points, arrowheads, and copper adornments, reflecting trade with additional Aboriginal Territories. Shoreline features white sand, elevated terrains, shell fragments, and mangroves.
Series 3/Pt-1: "Falling Waters"
An amazing village site is located near the “City of “Chipley” in northwest “Florida”, where hundreds of artifacts demonstrate habitation by First Nation People thousands of years ago. A 73-foot waterfall, numerous sinkholes, and interesting terrestrial caverns are showcased amid pine forests, ravines and seepage slopes along a meandering natural trail.
Series 2/Pt-11: Mounds-”Osprey”
This incredible 30-acre archaeological site is situated across from “Little Sarasota” Bay and represents thousands of years of habitation by First Nation People in an area some call “Spanish Point.” Several significant mounds are preserved and recoveries exhibit ingenuity in design of tools, supplies and jewelry utilizing abundant natural resources. There is much to observe and learn along many wondrous trails and scenic waterway views.
Series 3/Pt-2: Marianna, Florida
The spectacular caverns are located in northwest “Florida” where First Nation People lived in villages along the nearby Chipola River for thousands of years. This 1,449-acre site preserves much natural, historic, and cultural resources, featuring the 45-minute main cave “tour”, a view inside the Tunnel Cave, and panoramic views of Blue Hole Spring. Scenic trails offer glimpses into natural habitats for the People, flora and fauna.
Series 4/Pt-1: Wakulla, Florida
Wakulla Springs, a 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary located near Tallahassee, is an important site for honoring legacy of First Nation People where thousands of artifacts were recovered from numerous locations within the area. It spotlights the large spring that creates the Wakulla River; a scenic cruise along the river showcasing animal habits and ancient forests; and an extensive underwater cave system.
Series 4/Pt-2: “Monticello, Florida”
This significant 188-acre site preserves a large “ceremonial” mound and several smaller mounds within an area some call the “Letchworth-Love” Mound Complex near the Miccosukee River which recharges the “Floridan” Aquifer. First Nation People established a legacy spanning about 12,000 years ago. The natural environment is enhanced by lovely songbirds, majestic trees, plants and flowers, like fascinating “powderpuff” plants.
Series 4/Pt-3: Tallahassee, “Florida”
This Ancient Mound site is located 4 miles from “downtown” Tallahassee near Lake Okeeheepkee (disappearing waters). Linguistic ties to the Arawak language and the Mississippian “culture” have been researched and documented. Rare native plants and trees like tupelo (black gum) and trillium flowers are available to see as well. Various songbirds are seen and heard along the walking trails.
Series 4/Pt-4: Chattahoochee, “Florida”
An Aboriginal Mound Center is located on the Apalachicola River which is fed by the Chattahoochee and Flint River and also Spring Creek. We traveled to this Territory just 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the Spring Season, which is the Moorish American New Year.
The Green Swamp Central “Florida”
Located near “Webster” and “Tarrytown”, at a unique elevation over the “Floridan” Aquifer, this swamp serves as the headwaters for many prominent rivers. The Aboriginal Indigenous People of this American Continent have traveled through the Green Swamp in route to Sacred Mounds since time unknown.
Ancient Mound near “The Law School-Gainesville, Florida”
Located in “Timucuan” Territory, this Aboriginal, Indigenous Mound required many journeys over the past few years to document. Part I, which has already been published, contains an overall synopsis of the research thoroughly reviewed from libraries in the area. Portions of Part II can be requested via email to: contact@DiamondLegacyAmerica.org and contains much more images and commentary about correlating sites like Paynes Prairie and Creek, Lake Pithlachoco, Lake Orange, Lake Lochloosa, the Santa Fe River, and more.