United States

San Antón de Carlos

Calusa capital and Spanish mission, 16th century Florida

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

San Antonio de Carlos, established in 1567, was the first Jesuit mission in the New World. The site is located in what is now Mound Key Archaeological State Park off Estero Bay in Florida and what was the cultural center of the Calusa or Calos people, who lived in the area for more than 2,000 years.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

First European contact

1513

Pedro Menéndez de Avilés appointed governor

1566

San Antón de Carlos established

1567

Spanish abandonment

1569

Franciscan mission attempt

1697

Calusa population collapse

c. 1750

Frank Johnson homestead

1891

Koreshan purchase

1905

Cyrus Teed death

1908

State acquisition

1961

Archaeological publication

2018

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Fortresses
category

Public and Civic Structures

Administrative Buildings
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

Churches
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesVillagesPalaces
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial MoundsArtificial IslandsLandscaped Earthworks
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

United States

Coordinates

26.42° N, -81.87° E