Pierce Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pierce Site
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Location | Apalachicola, Florida |
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| NRHP reference No. | 74000624 |
| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1974 |
The Pierce Site (also known as Pierce Mounds and Middens) is a very old archaeological site in Apalachicola, Florida. It's a place where experts study the past by digging up old objects. This site shows us how people lived long before Christopher Columbus came to America. On January 11, 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the U.S.. This means it's an important place to protect because of its history.
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What is the Pierce Site?
The Pierce Site is a special area where archaeologists have found evidence of ancient communities. It includes "mounds" which are raised areas of earth, and "middens," which are old trash heaps. These middens are full of clues like broken pottery, tools, and animal bones. They tell us about the daily lives of the people who lived there.
Where is the Pierce Site Located?
This important historical site is found near Apalachicola, Florida. You can find it about one mile northwest of the city, on 12th Street. Its location near the coast was likely important for the ancient people who lived there. They could fish and gather food from the nearby waters.
Who Lived at the Pierce Site?
The Pierce Site was home to different groups of people at different times. Archaeologists have found objects from two main periods.
The Middle Woodland Period
One of the earliest times people lived here was during the Middle Woodland Period. This was a long time ago, when people were starting to live in more settled communities. During this period, people at the Pierce Site made special types of pottery.
- Early Weeden Island Ceramics: These are unique pottery styles from the Weeden Island culture. This culture was known for its beautiful and often decorated pots.
- Swift Creek Pottery: Another type of pottery found here is from the Swift Creek people. Their pottery often has very detailed designs pressed into the clay.
The Fort Walton Period
Later, the site was also used during the late prehistoric Fort Walton Period. This period came after the Middle Woodland Period. The Fort Walton people also left behind their own types of pottery and tools. Studying these different layers of objects helps experts understand how cultures changed over time.
Why is the Pierce Site Important?
The Pierce Site is very important for understanding Florida's ancient history. It helps us learn about the daily lives, art, and customs of Native American groups. By studying the objects found here, archaeologists can piece together stories from thousands of years ago. Protecting sites like Pierce helps us preserve these valuable lessons from the past.
