Archeological Resources of the 18th-Century Smyrnea Settlement of Dr. Andrew Turnbull MPS facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Archeological Resources of the 18th-Century Smyrnea Settlement of Dr. Andrew Turnbull MPS
|
|
 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Volusia County, Florida |
|---|---|
| MPS | Archeological Resources of the 18th-Century Smyrnea Settlement of Dr. Andrew Turnbull |
| NRHP reference No. | 64500988 |
Imagine stepping back in time to the 1700s in Florida! The Archeological Resources of the 18th-Century Smyrnea Settlement of Dr. Andrew Turnbull are a collection of important historical sites. These places were once part of a large colony called Smyrnea, founded by Dr. Andrew Turnbull. They are now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps save important places for future generations to learn from.
Contents
What Was the Smyrnea Settlement?
The Smyrnea Settlement was a big farming colony started in 1768. It was located in what is now New Smyrna Beach. Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish doctor, created this colony. He brought many people from the Mediterranean region to work there.
Who Was Dr. Andrew Turnbull?
Dr. Andrew Turnbull was a Scottish physician and businessman. He had a big idea to start a colony in Florida. At that time, Florida was under British rule. He wanted to grow crops like indigo, which was used to make blue dye. He also planned to grow sugar cane and other plants.
Life in the Colony
Life in the Smyrnea colony was very hard for the settlers. They faced many challenges. These included difficult working conditions and a new environment. Many people struggled with disease and the hot Florida climate. The colony lasted for about nine years. In 1777, the remaining colonists moved to St. Augustine.
Discovering History: Archeological Sites
Archeology is like being a detective for the past. Archeologists study old objects and structures. They dig carefully to find clues about how people lived long ago. The sites from the Smyrnea Settlement are very important. They help us understand what life was like for the colonists.
Important Places from the Past
Many different places from the Smyrnea Settlement have been found. These sites include old homes, canals, and other structures. Each site tells a part of the colony's story. They show us how the colonists built their lives.
Old Fort Park Archeological Site
The Old Fort Park Archeological Site is one of these special places. It is located in New Smyrna Beach. Archeologists have found remains of old buildings here. These might have been part of Dr. Turnbull's grand plans. It gives us clues about the colony's main structures.
Turnbull Canal System
The Turnbull Canal System is another key site. The colonists built these canals to help with farming. They moved water to their crops. This was a huge engineering effort for its time. The canals show how hard the colonists worked. They also show how they tried to adapt to the land.
Other Hidden Sites
Many other archeological sites are part of this historical group. Their exact locations are often kept secret. This helps protect them from damage. These sites include places like the Airport Clear Zone Archeological Site and the Blanchette Archeological Site. Each one holds more secrets about the Smyrnea colony. They are all important pieces of Florida's history.
Protecting Our History: The National Register
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of important historical sites in the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value. This helps protect it for future generations. The Smyrnea Settlement sites were added as a "Multiple Property Submission" (MPS). This means many related sites were listed together. It shows how important the entire settlement is.
Images for kids
-
Foundations at the Old Fort Park Archeological Site.
-
A section of the Turnbull Canal System.
See Also
