Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Calusa shell-mound ceremonial center, 1150 BCE–16th c.
Explore the Map
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
26.4222° N, -81.8653° E
About
Mound Key Archaeological State Park is a Florida State Park, located in Estero Bay, near the mouth of the Estero River. One hundred and thirteen of the island's one hundred and twenty-five acres are managed by the park system. It is a complex of mounds and accumulated shell, fish bone, and pottery middens that rises more than 30 feet above the waters of the bay. Mound Key was an important site of the Calusa tribe, and most experts believe it to be the site of their capital, Calos. The Mound Key Site on the island was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 1970. The island is only accessible by boat from the Koreshan State Historic Site or Lovers Key State Park.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Calusa radiocarbon evidence
1150 BCE
Spanish appointment of Florida governor
1566
Spanish abandonment of fort and settlement
1569
Calusa cultural decline
c. 1750
Homestead granted to Frank Johnson
1891
Koreshan community arrival
1894
Sale of island to Koreshans
1905
Death of Cyrus Teed
1908
Koreshans deed land to state
1961
Added to National Register of Historic Places
1970-08-12
McGee parcel sale agreement
2019
Archaeological confirmation of Spanish fort
2020
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Water Management Features
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in United States
Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site
Hawaiian heiau (temple) in Kailua, Oʻahu
Potomac Palisades Site
Late Archaic lithic workshop, Washington, D.C.
Schwerdt site
Late Woodland seasonal encampment, 15th century Michigan
Bone Mound II
Fort Ancient burial mound in southwestern Ohio
Homayo
Tewa Pueblo ruin in New Mexico
Black Mountain (Pima County, Arizona)
Hohokam fortification on a lava-capped mesa, Arizona