Florida has set the stage for prehistoric drama since the dawning of man, who came as far back as 10,000 years ago and left remnants of nomadic, and later hunting and agricultural, civilizations. Great shell mounds remain as windows into their ways of life. Although not as famous as California's, Florida's Spanish missions popped up mostly in the north, and archaeological digs at their sites further enlighten us about cultures which passed with the Europeans' arrival. The Native American cultures that remain today reflect a mixture of those that survived by intermarriage. Members of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes that outstayed their deportation during the 19th century Seminole Wars have settled in and around the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee and Tampa to share with modern-day visitors the deep-seated traditions and beliefs of their race. Here are a few places to learn more about the first Floridians and today's tribes.


NORTH FLORIDA

Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, Tallahassee. At its six earthen temple mounds, visitors witness evidence of a 13th century Native American settlement.

Mission San Luis, Tallahassee. The most concrete remnant of a colonial Spanish mission established to convert the Apalachee Indians to Catholicism. Settled from 1656 to 1704, today this site offers living history and a working archeological site.


CENTRAL FLORIDA

Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River. This awesome site served as a vital religious and political center for regional tribes from 200 B.C. to 1400 A.D. Visitors can climb stairs to the top of a 30-foot temple mound, circle five other mounds and examine rare ceremonial stones and other age-old artifacts.

Philippe Park, Safety Harbor. On the shores of Old Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor Mound resides behind shelter #2 at Philippe Park, where you can climb to the top of the ancient structure. Nearby Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History, located on the site of a Tocobaga Indian mound, displays artifacts that were found in it, dating back to the Safety Harbor culture, 1500 to 1700 A.D.

Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, St. Petersburg. The Weeden Island culture settled Florida between 400 and 1200 A.D., leaving shards of pottery and other proof of its existence in shell mounds excavated by the Smithsonian Institution in the 1920s.
Crystal River Archaeological State Park served as a vital religious and political center for regional tribes from 200 B.C. to 1400 A.D.


SOUTH FLORIDA

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, west of Fort Lauderdale, is home to this modern museum whose name means "learning." A five-screen theater, sophisticated vignettes and audio interpretation dwell on the Seminole Wars and Green Corn festivities and their significance to Native American history. A boardwalk nature trail leads through a 60-acre cypress dome to a living village where demonstrators make traditional crafts and sometimes play the age-old stick ball game.

Billy Swamp Safari.  Airboat rides or swamp buggy tours provide an in-depth introduction to Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. There are also snake exhibits and shows, and the requisite 'gator presentation. Swamp Water Café serves Native American and American cuisine.

Miccosukee Indian Village, west of Miami. The Miccosukee tribe, like the Seminoles, took refuge on Everglades hammocks when driven from their homeland in northern Florida during the Seminole Wars. The U.S. government recognizes the Miccosukees as a sovereign nation independent from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The museum at Miccosukee Indian Village displays the documents that so designate it. Guided tours through the museum begin with a video filmed at one of the clan hammocks that rise like islands out of the Everglades' river of grass. Airboat tours take you to a clan camp and the Miccosukee Restaurant serves Indian fry bread, frog legs, catfish and other local fare. December brings the week-long Indian Arts & Crafts Festival.

Mound Key Archeological State Park, Estero. The capital of Calusa civilization, this un-bridged island is accessible by kayak or boat tour. Visitors can explore the dig site of this island once tamed by the ancients, now reclaimed by nature.

Randell Research Center, Pineland. On the site of the second most important Calusa settlement, the Calusa Heritage Trail crosses an ancient canal dug by the tribe. On Wednesdays, there are interpretative tours of its mound dig sites.