Cayson Mound and Village Site facts for kids
 Location in Florida
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| Location | Blountstown, Florida, Calhoun County, Florida,  USA |
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| Region | Calhoun County, Florida |
| Coordinates | 30°25′51″N 85°01′34″W / 30.43083°N 85.02611°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 1200 CE |
| Cultures | Fort Walton Culture, |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | platform mound |
| Architectural details | Number of temples: |
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Cayson Mound and Village Site
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| NRHP reference No. | 76000587 |
| Added to NRHP | 15 March 1976 |
The Cayson Mound and Village Site (also known as 8CA3) is an ancient archaeological site located near Blountstown, Florida in the U.S.. It sits about three miles southeast of Blountstown, right by the Apalachicola River. This important site was once home to people of the Fort Walton culture, who were part of the larger Mississippian culture. On March 15, 1976, the Cayson Mound and Village Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical value.
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What is the Cayson Mound Site?
The Cayson Mound and Village Site is a place where archaeologists study the past. It includes a large platform mound and the remains of an ancient village. A platform mound is a special kind of earthwork. It is a raised area of earth built by people long ago. These mounds often had important buildings on top.
The Mound's Purpose
People built platform mounds for different reasons. Often, temples or important leaders' homes stood on top of them. These mounds helped show the importance of the buildings or people. They also made the structures more visible to everyone in the village.
Who Lived at Cayson Mound?
The people who lived at the Cayson Mound and Village Site belonged to the Fort Walton culture. This culture existed in the southeastern United States from about 1000 to 1500 CE. The Fort Walton culture was a regional group within the larger Mississippian culture.
The Mississippian Culture
The Mississippian culture was a major Native American civilization. It thrived across the central and southeastern U.S. before Europeans arrived. These people were known for building large earth mounds. They also developed complex societies and farmed crops like corn.
Life of the Fort Walton People
The Fort Walton people were skilled farmers. They grew corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants. Their villages were often located near rivers, like the Apalachicola River. This provided them with water, food, and ways to travel. They made pottery and tools from stone and bone.
Why is This Site Important?
The Cayson Mound and Village Site is very important for understanding history. It helps archaeologists learn about the Fort Walton culture. By studying the remains of the village and the mound, we can piece together how these ancient people lived. We can learn about their daily lives, their beliefs, and their social structures.
Learning from Archaeology
Archaeologists carefully dig at sites like Cayson Mound. They look for artifacts, which are objects made by people. These can include pottery pieces, tools, and even food remains. Each artifact tells a part of the story of the past. The way a site is laid out also gives clues about ancient communities.
Protecting Our History
The Cayson Mound and Village Site is protected because of its historical value. On March 15, 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the U.S. that are important to history.
The National Register of Historic Places
Being on the National Register helps protect historical sites. It means they are recognized for their special importance. This encourages people to preserve them for future generations. It also helps with funding for archaeological research and conservation efforts. Protecting these sites ensures we can continue to learn from them.
