Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Letchworth Mounds Archaeological State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Entrance to the park
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 Letchworth Mounds Archaeological State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Jefferson County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Monticello, Florida |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Letchworth Mounds Archaeological State Park is a special place in Florida. It protects the tallest prehistoric Native American mound in the state. This huge mound is about 46 feet (14 meters) high! People built it a very long time ago, between 1,100 and 1,800 years ago. It's one of only three big mound sites left in the Florida Panhandle.
This park helps us learn about ancient people who lived here. It has exhibits that show artifacts and signs of human life from almost 10,000 years ago. The park is in northwestern Florida, about six miles west of Monticello. You can find it at 4500 Sunray Road South.
Contents
Who Built These Amazing Mounds?
Experts believe the Weeden Island culture built the Letchworth Mounds. These Native Americans lived in North Florida from about 200 to 800 CE. They had a complex society. They planned and built huge earthwork mounds. These mounds showed their religious and political beliefs.
Other mound sites in the Florida Panhandle are from a later time. The Fort Walton culture (1100-1550 CE) built them. Examples include Fort Walton Mound and the Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park.
How Were the Mounds Built?
The Letchworth Mound is a massive structure. It measures about 300 feet (91 meters) wide. It stands between 46 and 50 feet (14 to 15 meters) tall. Imagine how much work it took to build something so big!
When the mound was first built, it didn't have trees or bushes growing on it. Its sides were smooth and carefully prepared. Many workers carried soil in baskets to build the mound. The builders were very smart. They mixed different types of soil and shells. This made the mound strong and stable. They often finished the top and sides with clay.
What Was the Mound Used For?
The mound likely rose from flat, open areas called plazas. These plazas were intentionally leveled. They served as gathering places for important events. People would meet there for rituals, games, and big celebrations.
The community around the mound was likely large. It would have included homes for workers. There were also shared fields and gardens. These ancient people grew maize (corn). This helped feed the many people living in these complex societies. The Letchworth Mounds site has one of the largest mounds ever found.
Exploring the Park
The mound is now protected within a large natural area. This area is great for outdoor activities. You can enjoy birding, hiking, and picnicking. It's also a good place to see wildlife.
