DiamondLegacyAmerica.org

mound at "Emerson Point - Palmetto, Florida"

We continued our journey of appreciation of Indigenous Legacy Honoring Sites by heading to the “City of Palmetto”. An impressive temple mound exists within the “Emerson Point Preserve”, which is located on the tip of “Snead Island” at the mouth of the “Manatee River” and joins “Terra Ceia Bay” and “Tampa Bay” along the Central Gulf Coast. This 365-acre preserve boasts thousands of years of extensive human use, and major affirmations are exhibited by the “Portavant” Temple Mound and surrounding mound complex.

When we first experienced this preserve a few years back, we thought that the site only consisted of the large flat-topped temple mound, scores of wonderful trees and vegetation, and paths with shoreline views. Naturally, we enjoyed the journey to honor the legacy of First Nation People at this mound site. Our research since then has revealed so much more—there is a low platform mound, several other mounds, shell ridges, and a plaza. This site is definitely a valuable ancestral asset worthy of our full attention.

Reportedly, this large temple mound is one of 15 or more temple mounds in the “vicinity of Tampa Bay” said to be from the “Safety Harbor Culture”. It is more than “13 feet high” and measures 148 by 246 feet at its base; and there is no ramp to the top of the mound like other temple mounds in the area. Also, reports suggest there is a lower platform mound, just short of 100 by 100 feet, that abuts the main mound and several other mounds are near the temple mound.

Further, anthropologist documents state that, “…some smaller mounds near the temple mound were intentionally formed in shapes. Though not as clearly defined as other effigy mounds in the southeast …, this formation of shaped middens is unique among the dozen or more “Tocobaga/Safety Harbor” cultural sites around “Tampa Bay”. Coastal erosion, modern day usages, and time have made the shapes less obvious, but at one time there were serpent and bird shaped mounds right along the river’s edge.   

Interesting. This may be the first time any reference has been made to effigy mounds in The Land of Flowers. We are quite familiar with these amazing formations, having personally witnessed them at sites in “Illinois and Ohio”. However, during our extensive journeys around “Florida”, we have no recollection of ever seeing any of these phenomenal structures or reading about them. That’s another reason why we’re very excited about honoring the legacy of the First Nation People with a second journey to this remarkable site.

Arriving at the preserve on a beautiful sunshiny afternoon, we walked down to the water for a view of the “Manatee River”. There was a wonderful vantage point available through moss draped oaks, palms and other trees and shrubs. On the shoreline, we noticed several tree stumps and a small bird resting in the middle of some dried roots, enjoying benefits of the natural habitat. More birds were seen casually flying overhead. Also, we observed plenty of mangrove trees with their tangled roots and tall stilts reaching above the water line. What a delightfully tranquil moment.

We turned to focus on a path filled with various trees and shrubs. There on the left was a small mound with an oak tree growing on its top; and right behind that was a second mound, rising about 15 feet, with another oak tree on top. We also observed that the dark soil cascading down the side of the mound contained lots of whole shells and fragments. This is one of the natural signatures we look for when experiencing ancient mound sites in our Allodial Estate, while honoring Aboriginal and Indigenous Heritage.

It seems as if everywhere we looked there were indications of early habitation by Indigenous People. This time, there was a prominent mound featuring another statuesque ancient oak tree and surrounded by a canopy of other trees and shrubs, like many palms, marlberry trees, and wild coffee shrubs. Most of these species have valuable properties utilized for food, shelter, transportation, and healing.

One path led to a huge tree with interesting roots spreading in different directions on the ground. Amazing and beautiful. A sign that read “Moreton Bay Fig Tree” was nearby, yet there were no other words to address this majestic-looking tree with its fascinating root system. Simultaneously, we said “wow” as we stared at the length and size of the sprawling roots and the deep caverns created between them. It looks similar to a banyan tree and we learned later that it is an evergreen banyan tree that is native to Australia, and it is actually a strangler fig which attaches itself to the host tree and over time becomes a freestanding tree.

The fruit produced is a valuable food source for many birds and through pollination, seeds are dropped in other host trees, and so forth—other smaller fig trees were visible in the surrounding area. And as we exited, we saw vines of large golden potho plants clinging to several trees along the path. While these big-leaf plants look wonderful in this environment, I enjoy seeing the smaller versions too.

Recognizing there are many hiking trails to select, we continued to be amazed by the size of this mound complex and the elevated terrains almost hidden behind a variety of trees and forest vegetation. Our eyes were tuned in to the increased amount of various whole shells and fragments appearing along the walls of these high formations on both sides of the path.