Note: Article links refer to map points.
American Indian History
One thousand years ago, Tocabaga Indians gathered here by the hundreds to feast on oysters and clams. In many places, all these American Indians left behind was piles of refuse, including shells, but in some sites, such as the one located near 21st Street South in St. Petersburg, they built mounds to support their temples.
The Pinellas Point Temple Mound is probably one of the best known of the more than 1,800 archeological sites in St. Pete/Clearwater.
Another well-known, pre-Columbian Indian site can be found off Park Street at Jungle Prada where Narvaez, now seen as a tyrant, came ashore to start his ill-fated march across the American Southeast.
At the time of the Narvaez landing, the Jungle Prada area (now the site of a City of St. Petersburg Park) was the site of a thriving Indian village. A nearby shell mound, or midden as they are called, has been excavated by professional archeologists who dated the site to around 1,000 A.D.
The largest mound complex in the area can be found in Safety Harbor's Philippe Park. When Columbus landed in the New World, the Safety Harbor site served the central village of the Tocobaga and home of their cacique, or chief.
Another conquistador, Hernando De Soto, visited this capital of the Tocobaga, whose name loosely translates to "the place of the gourds." Measuring 20-feet high and roughly 50- by 100-feet at the top, the mound at Philippe Park is undoubtedly the best-maintained and most easily accessible American Indian Mound in the area.
Heritage Village
Heritage Village is a 21-acre, open-air museum in Largo's Pinewood Cultural Park that has preserved more than two dozen structures to let visitors sample Florida the way it was in the 19th century.
Look around Heritage Village and immediately understand why Pinellas was dubbed "point of pines" by Panfilo de Narvaez almost 500 years ago. Scores of pine trees spike into the air above palmettos and other low plants that cover much of the grounds.
The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of St. Pete/Clearwater's most historic buildings. More than 28 historic structures and features, some dating back to the 19th century, include a school, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot and store as well as a variety of historic homes.
Greek Influence
The oldest city in the area, Tarpon Springs combines the history of its sponge diving tradition with the rich cultural infusion of the Greek heritage.
Tarpon Springs welcomes you to the area's 'Gateway to Greek Culture." Visit the famous Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, situated on the Anclote River, where you can experience Greek influence in the restaurants and shops that are scattered throughout the docks area.
While you are there, enjoy a live sponge diving exhibition where Greek men have been diving for sponges in these waters since 1905; or take a cruise and enjoy the vistas from the river and bayous around Tarpon Springs. The cultural and historical St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral was modeled after the great Byzantine cathedrals and is open daily to visitors. The Epiphany, a religious observance by Greek Orthodox followers includes a morning service at the St. Nicholas Cathedral, the dive for the cross in Spring Bayou; and celebrated enjoying Greek foods, music and dancing. The festival is held the 6th of January every year. You are also likely to hear as much Greek being spoken as English at one of the many authentic Greek restaurant the area offers.
Fort De Soto Park
On May 30, 1539, a well-known Spanish explorer came to the Tampa Bay area and began a conquest which would change the world. Hernando De Soto came ashore on or near the South shore of Tampa Bay. He began his expedition of the Southeastern region of what is now the United States.
The recorded history of the islands known as Mullet Key began in February 1849 when a group of United States Army Engineers, anchored offshore to survey the coastline for possible use as a coastal defense area. In March 1849 the army engineers recommended Egmont and Mullet Keys for military utilization thereby prohibiting any private use or development, effectively protecting what was to become Fort De Soto Park.
The Civil War broke out in 1861. Union troops set up a blockade using the two islands. Any Confederate attempting to run the blockade could be seen by the troops perched atop the Egmont Key lighthouse.
On April 4, 1990, the military reservation was named Fort De Soto after the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto. Fort De Soto was officially a subpost of Fort Dade on Egmont Key at that time.
When visiting Fort De Soto park, which has consistently received top rankings over time, you'll notice the number of people rollerblading and riding bicycles along the park's 7 miles of multi-purpose trails. History buffs will enjoy exploring the fort buildings and battery grounds. Visitors can enter old artillery holds and firing galleys that make up the base of the coquina shell-built fort that is dedicated to the soldiers of the Spanish-American War. But, this park appeals to more than just history lovers, bike and kayak rentals, two piers, a campground and award winning beaches make this a must-go-to destination.
Egmont Key
Egmont Key State Park is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort De Soto Park. This 440-acre island is the home to one of the last government-operated lighthouses (built in 1858) in the nation. It is still an active navigational aide to all ships entering Tampa Bay.
Now a wildlife refuge, Egmont Key was a camp for captured Seminoles during the Third Seminole War and was a Union Navy base during the Civil War. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection cooperatively manages Egmont Key with the U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Several boats offer snorkeling excursions to this island which is accessible only by boat. It is a great getaway from modern civilization. Egmont Key also has a variety of significant natural resources, including a large population of gopher tortoises, and its beach is used as a nesting area by loggerhead sea turtles.
