Kimball Island Midden Archeological Site facts for kids
The Kimball Island Midden Archeological Site is a special place near Astor, Florida. It's an archaeological site, which means it's a spot where scientists study the past by digging up old things. This site is about seven miles southeast of Astor, inside the beautiful Ocala National Forest. On December 11, 1979, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a very important historical location.
This archaeological site is located across the St. Johns River from the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia County.
Quick facts for kids |
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Kimball Island Midden Archeological Site
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lake County, Florida |
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| Nearest city | Astor |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000675 |
| Added to NRHP | December 11, 1979 |
Contents
What is a Midden?
A "midden" might sound like a strange word, but it's actually a very important clue for archaeologists. Think of it like an ancient trash heap! Long, long ago, people didn't have trash cans. They would often throw away their leftover food, broken tools, and other things in a pile.
Shell Middens
Many middens, especially in places like Florida, are made mostly of shells. This is because ancient people who lived near rivers or the ocean often ate a lot of shellfish, like clams and oysters. After they ate the soft parts, they would toss the shells aside. Over hundreds or even thousands of years, these shells built up into big mounds.
Why is the Kimball Island Midden Important?
The Kimball Island Midden is important because it's like a time capsule. When archaeologists carefully dig through a midden, they can find all sorts of things. These finds help them understand how people lived a very long time ago.
Learning from the Past
By studying the shells, animal bones, and broken tools found in the midden, scientists can learn about:
- What people ate: The types of shells and bones tell us about their diet.
- How they lived: Tools and pottery pieces show us how they hunted, fished, cooked, and crafted.
- Their environment: The remains of plants and animals can tell us what the area was like back then.
- When they lived: Scientists can use special tests to figure out how old the items are.
Location and Protection
The Kimball Island Midden is located in a beautiful natural area, the Ocala National Forest. This helps protect the site from damage. Being on the National Register of Historic Places also means it's recognized as a valuable part of history and efforts are made to preserve it for future generations.
Exploring the Area
The site is near the St. Johns River, which was a very important waterway for ancient people. It's also close to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, a place that protects many animals and plants today. These locations show how important the natural environment was to the people who created the midden.
