NATIVE AMERICAN MONTH. THE TRIBES OF SARASOTA
Celebrate Sarasota’s Native American History. Before its discovery, Sarasota county was home to some of the oldest Native American tribes on the west coast of Florida, including the Calusa, Tocobaga, and Timucuan people. They lived, fished and traveled throughout the region. Sarasota Bay served as a key waterway and thrived on the bounty of Sarasota Bay and nearby estuaries.
Historic Spanish Point in Osprey may be the most archeologically valuable piece of land in Sarasota County. Its earliest Native American residents settled on the grounds and lived there for over 500 years! A burial ground evidences their existence at the park’s entrance, and a prehistoric shell midden spans most of the grounds.
“A midden is a giant mound or hill made up of domestic waste, or for Historic Spanish Point, consisting of mostly mollusk shells, pottery chards, and fish bones. The middens were built well above sea level, keeping them safe during storm season. When you tour Historic Spanish Point, you will find that every shell on the property was likely consumed by a person and discarded into the midden.”
An excavation showcases Native American life, “Window To The Past,” in a small museum; you can look through the glass and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. Amid the pile of shells, you’ll see remnants of prehistoric pottery and tools the Indians used daily. Learn more about Historic Spanish Point.
Reference: Visit Sarasota.