For centuries, folks have flocked to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean for recreation, relaxation and reeling in "the one that got away."
Yet, as Scott Fais shows us, one ancient civilization who disappeared long ago, actually left a lot behind some buried beach treasure of another kind at the Turtle Mound on the Canaveral National Seashore.
Looking for more than a traditional day at the beach? Head to Florida's East Coast. At this national park you can spend the day at the beach and get a history lesson at the same time.
"It kind of looks like a turtle from the water. The shell is the top of the mound, and there is a part in the front that goes out that could be the turtle head," said Laura Henning, a park ranger.
More than 14,000 years ago, Native Americans made their home on the strip of land in Brevard County that contains the Turtle Mound.
"They were mound builders," Henning said.
Today, the only remnants of the Timucuan Tribe exist under our feet.
"What we're standing on is a 40-foot mound, that's as big as a football field, containing mostly oyster shells," Henning explained.
Still peeking through the wild lantana and papaya trees, you can see the shells from a vanished civilization, according to Henning.
"Once they processed the shell fish, shucked it, and smoked it for preservation, they piled all the shells in one spot," Henning said.
"They did that decade after decade. In fact, Generation to Generation," Fais said.
It was 4,000 years ago the Timucuans Indians first began building their mound out of discarded oyster shells. But don't call this a landfill.
"Archeologists have moved away from that term because it may lessen the significance because these sites are areas to get clues of how they lived and how they survived," Henning said.
The mound survives centuries later with accessible pathways and places to sit, just a historic stroll away from a day at the beach.
Turtle Mound at Canaveral National Seashore
Where:
Canaveral National Seashore in Volusia County
When:
Open 365 days a year, even in the rain.
South Address:
308 Julia Street
Titusville, Florida 32796
North Address:
7611 South Atlantic Ave.
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169-5003
Phone:
Headquarters
(321) 267-1110
Cost:
Ages 16 & Greater: $3
Children Ages 15 and Younger: Free
Parking Fee (per vehicle):
Free
Web site:
http://www.nps.gov/cana
Directions from Orlando Area:
Expect a 1 hour, 30 minute drive to the Canaveral National Seashore North Entrance
From your part of Central Florida, merge onto I-4 East bound towards Daytona Beach.
Take the SR-44 east. Use Exit 118. Signs will read toward “New Smyrna Beach.” During the summer of 2007, expect a lot of construction here.
Turn left onto East New York Ave., also known as FL-44. Continue to follow FL-44 east. You’ll travel for 18.7 miles.
After the high bridge over the Indian River, FL-44 East becomes the famed FL-A1A south. FL-44 will curve to the right. Follow the bend.
Stay on FL-A1A south for 7.8 miles. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you approach the gatehouse. This is where admission fees are collected. The beach is on the left. The Turtle Mound is on the left.
Directions from Palm Coast and Flagler County areas:
Expect a 1 hour, 15 minute drive to the Canaveral National Seashore North Entrance
Jump onto I-95 South from your part of Flagler County. Some Flagler County folks will travel more than 40 miles south.
Merge onto FL-44 east via exit 249A. Signs will read “New Smyrna Beach.” Hang on FL-44 east for 4.1 miles.
After the high bridge over the Indian River, FL-44 east becomes the famed FL-A1A south. FL-44 will curve to the right. Follow the bend.
Stay on FL-A1A south for 7.8 miles. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you approach the gatehouse. This is where admission fees are collected. The beach is on the left. The Turtle Mound is on the left.