LETCHWORTH-LOVE MOUNDS STATE PARK - Orlando / Florida Guide
Florida Guide > State Parks
Letchworth-Love Mounds State Park (formerly Letchworth Mounds State Park) is found 6 miles west of Monticello in Jefferson County. It is famous for its historic mounds.
This area was once farm land, but in 1992 the land was acquired to preserve these interesting mounds. The park has been opened to the public since 1998.
There are several mounds here to see and the largest is 46 feet tall. indeed, it is the largest mound in the whole of Florida. This would have originated some time around 200 to 400 A. D. by Native Americans thought to be from the Weedon Island Culture.
This large mound is a ceremonial mound used for the chiefs to hold their special rites; they know this as it has a flat top.
You can go right into the base of this mound using the A. D. A accesible walk way. There is also a viwing platform that is wheelchair accessible.
These mounds are the best historical references we have in Florida since nothing has been written down and nothing passed down through the generations as a result of the Indian people being destroyed in wars and through diseases brought by the incomers.
During the Puleo period, the population were primarily hunters and thus there are the remains of hunting tools. Florida was a lot colder and drier in those times since it was the tail end of the ice age.
As Florida warmed up, fishing became the foremost way of feeding the community and thus shells were added to the mix along with any old rubbish.
Thus, each layer tells the tale of who lived here and how they conducted their lives.
The large mound here is so big that it is not all contained in the park. There is a plan to add more acreage to this site soon. This is bcause this place has been declared the most important archaeological site in Florida.
Of course, this being a State park you can hike a trail and there is a pic nic area.
It is important when visiting this kind of park to take all you need with you. This means primarily lots of water. Take as well a snack, some high factor sun screen, a hat and t. shirt and some insect repellant.
CONTACT DETAILS
Letchworth-Love Mounds
4500 Sunray Road South
Monticello, Florida 32344
Phone: 850-922-6007
Fax: 850-488-0366
If you have time left over, can I recommend the following nearby parks?
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Page added on: 14 February 2008
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