Florida 2-19-2024

Visited the Crystal River Archaeological State Park today. Pretty cool site of 7 mounds. The Crystal River served as a regional gathering place, activity center and burial center for many generations and artifacts have been found showing 3 cultural periods. The biggest mound is 28' tall, mostly shells, and served as the ceremonial center. The burial mounds contained items of iron, copper, quartz, mica and other materials not found in Florida. Attests to the trading routes of native Americans. The flat top mound was used for festivals. Sand burial mounds contained seemingly lesser people-no elaborate grave goods, no tools, no pottery. Lots of steps! Ended the day playing cards. Good group of people here.