Florida Native American Heritage Trail - (Page 33) Arch Creek Historic and Archaeological Park North Miami, Miami-Dade County 305.944.6111 www.miamidade.gov/parks/Parks/arch_ creek.asp Arch Creek Park was created around a natural limestone bridge formation that was once part of an important trail first used by the Tequesta around 2,000 years ago and later by the Seminoles in the 19th century. Middens dating to the Tequesta period and a 19th century coontie mill are also present in the park. Coontie is a plant ground into flour by Seminoles and early white settlers. A museum contains displays on the Native American remains at the park. The Historical Society of Martin County at Elliot Museum Stuart, Martin County 772.225.1961 elliottmuseumfl.org e museum is home to the Willoughby Collection, one of the largest collections of late 19th and early 20th century Seminole artifacts. The Miami Circle: Case Study in Grassroots Preservation The Miami Circle at Brickell Point, in the heart of downtown Miami, was discovered in 1998 during archaeological investigations conducted in preparation for development of two high-rise towers on the Brickell Point site. Carved into the soft limestone around 2,000 years ago, the Miami Circle likely represents the foundation of an ancient building or open-air enclosure that was part of a Native American village at the mouth of the Miami River. The threat of the Miami Circle’s destruction by development attracted the attention of archaeologists, Native Americans, and preservation-minded citizens. Because of the Miami Circle, many have learned a great deal about Native American history and now recognize that cooperation is needed to understand and preserve that legacy. Strong public pressure to preserve the archaeological site prompted the Florida Governor and Cabinet and Miami-Dade County to acquire the 2.2-acre parcel for $26.7 million. The Miami Circle is currently being developed as a public park and preserve. For more information visit: www.miamicirclesite.com Ryan J. Wheeler and Jerald T. Milanich Excavations at the Miami Circle, Brickell Point Site. (Image courtesy of the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research) 33 http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/Parks/arch_creek.asp http://elliottmuseumfl.org http://www.miamicirclesite.com
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