Not unlike the peasants, who accidentially stumbled upon one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries of all times, the Terracotta Army in Xian Province, China, the Miami Circle was unearthed more or less by chance.
Demolition of Brickell Point Apartments
Traces and artifacts of the Tequesta Indians, the original population of Miami and its surrounding areas, were found and known since the middle of the 19th century, when the "founders" of modern day Miami, Julia Tuttle, William Brickell and Henry Flagler began their extensive building activities.
When the Spanish Conquerors under Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513, they described the Tequesta Indians they encountered and the land they occupied as about 100 acres along the shores of the Miami River, where it flows into Biscayne Bay. By 1567, Spanish priests established a mission and set about converting the indigents to Christianity, in the process destroying their idols and razing their temples. 200 years later, deseases and English slave raids reduced the Tequesta population to something like 300 people.
When Flagler et all came to Miami, they started extensive construction work, but, unfortunately, did not respect Tequesta history and sacred sites. The Royal Palms Hotel for instance, was built right on top of a Tequesta cemetry and the Brickell mausoleum was constructed on top of another one. In 1949, about 2 acres of their holding was sold to build the Brickell Point Apartments adjoining the Sheraton Hotel on the left bank of the Miami River.
The apartments, a 3 story structure, were demolished in 1998 to give way to new and bigger highrises. It was on the occasion of the demolition, that a Miami Dade County archaeologist, driving over the Brickell Bridge, discovered a three feet long cut in the limestone bedrock and what appeared to be a basin shaped hole.
Excavations
Under the protection of a Miami Dade County historic preservation ordinance, an injunction was filed again the developer to hold the constrution work and the Miami Dade County, the State of Florida and the Trust of Public Lands jointly acquired the building site.
What came to light after careful excavation, was a circle of approx. 38 feet in diameter, surrounded by hundreds of circular post holes, which would have held wooden posts which in turn formed the walls of a sacred site of the Tequesta. What surprised even more was the fact, that an abundance of artifacts found within the site revealed after carbon testing, that the Tequesta population lived there much earlier than originally thought. Their settlements date back to about AD 200-300 and the finds indicated the existence of a complex social society with advanced craft and art skills.
Future
The Historical Museum of Southern Florida in Miami houses a huge collection of artifacts recovered from the Miami Circle and surrounding areas and will be the official host and guide to tours to the site. At present, the circle lies covered by fill to protect it from the environment and the seafront of the park awaits necessary repairs.
On 6th of May, the Museum is holding a leadership briefing to inform the public about the progress of repair and future plans concerning the historical site, an event awaited with much excitement by all friends of an denthusiasts about the Indian history of Southern Florida.
Inka Piegsa-Quischotte - Since two years I am a full time travel and lifestyle writer and blogger. I published several articles and blogs on ...
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