Centuries of History to Explore

The William Bartram Scenic & Historic Highway remains a bastion of archaeological interest thousands of years after the original Native American settlers and centuries after the first European and American immigrants erected farms and homesteads in the rich environmental milieu of the St. Johns River.

Robin E. Moore, RPA St. Johns County Archaeologist, recording a burial site.

The Archaeological Resources of the corridor evolved from continuous, long-term use of the natural resources and desirable habitation lands along the river and from the vital transportation routes that the river provided.  Evidence of cultural activity goes back as far as 4,500 years ago.  

Prehistorically, key local resources included riverine shellfish and the abundant other species available. The variety of ecological niches within a small distance, and the major transportation routes provided by the river and its tributaries supported substantial populations of Native Americans who lived in large villages along the river.  Today, the remnants of these villages include shell midden remains, residential areas marked by domestic artifacts, and mounds that were both religious and political in nature.

• There are many archaeological sites for you visit on your next trip along the Scenic Highway. Plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss these exciting archaeological experiences of Florida’s past and the area’s rich historical legacy.