Spruce Creek Mound Complex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Spruce Creek Mound Complex
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Aerial view
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 Location in Volusia County
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| Location | Port Orange, Florida |
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| NRHP reference No. | 90001761 |
| Added to NRHP | December 3, 1990 |
The Spruce Creek Mound Complex is a very old place in Port Orange, Florida. It's an archaeological site, meaning scientists study it to learn about the past. This complex has large mounds made of earth and shells. Ancient indigenous peoples (the first people to live there) built them. You can find it near Port Orange, right by Spruce Creek. It's so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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What is the Spruce Creek Mound Complex?
The Spruce Creek Mound Complex is a group of large earthworks. These are structures built by people using earth and shells. The mounds were created by ancient people who lived in Florida long ago. They are found on the southwest bank of Spruce Creek.
How Were the Mounds Built?
The mounds were built over many years. People added layers of earth and shells over time. The shells came from the shellfish they ate, like oysters and clams. These shell piles are called "shell middens."
What Was the Main Mound Used For?
The main Spruce Creek Mound was very tall. Early European travelers even used it to find their way. This mound was a special place for ceremonies. It was also used as a burial mound. People were buried there over many centuries.
When Were the Mounds Built?
Experts believe the main mound was built between 500 and 1000 AD. This means it was built about 1000 to 1500 years ago. People kept adding to it for a long time.
Who Lived at Spruce Creek?
When Europeans first arrived in Florida, Timucuan natives lived at this site. The Timucua were a large group of indigenous people. They lived in many parts of Florida.
What Did the Timucua Eat?
The Timucuan people ate a lot of local shellfish. This was a big part of their daily food. They left behind huge piles of shells from their meals. These shell piles are still at the site today.
European Visitors to the Site
The Spruce Creek Mound Complex also has old European items. These items are from the early colonial period (1550-1700 AD). This suggests that Spanish explorers, traders, or settlers visited this village. It shows that the site was important for a long time.
