The Old Fort Archaeological Park, located at 115 Julia Street, New Smyrna Beach (NSB), Florida, is steeped in centuries of heritage. The city of New Smyrna Beach recently completed repairs for part of the south wall surrounding the ruins.

Exciting archaeological finds were unearthed during the repair and reinforcement of the wall.

During the restoration, a towering pile of excavated oyster shells could be observed by locals and visitors passing by. It is required by a city ordinance that an archaeologist be present when city property with historical resources is being disturbed. There are also state and federal preservation laws that must be followed. Rebecca Harris, a registered professional archaeologist with 39 years of experience and owner of the local Smyrnea Archaeological Research Institute (SARI) established 2017, was onsite during construction. 

Harris presented artifacts she discovered and her analysis of the site as part of the “Museum Matinee Program” at the New Smyrna History Museum (Southeast Volusia Historical Society). The program is hosted each month at the museum, located at 120 Sams Ave., NSB. Guest speakers provide informative and educational presentations during the program. A recording of Harris’ presentation from January 24, 2024, “A Village on a Shell Mound,” can be viewed at the museum’s YouTube channel.

Early mapping, dating back to the 1600s, show a mound existed in the same location as the ruins prior to the British arrival. This mound was the central architectural element of a large indigenous community identified as the 17th century Timucua village of Caparaca. The same location became the center of town in NSB’s colonial and pioneer eras, and witness to history that can be explored through archaeological data.

According to Harris, the mound may have been used as a foundation for homes within a village or a shell midden – the remains of shellfish gathered and eaten by the Timucua people. The artifacts led Harris to a conclusion that the mound was the site of a chief’s house, noblemen and a council house. There were no domestic items identified at the site. 

“The archaeological site is multi-year, multi-component,” says Harris. “The site shows evidence of multiple lifeways (500 B.C. – 2024 A.D.): prehistoric, early historic, colonial, territorial, two wars take place at the mound (Seminole and Civil), early settlers and the Turnbull colony.” 

Large mollusk and whelk shells were discovered at the site. Harris explains first, the creatures are collected for food and brought to the site. Then, the shell itself would be used as dishes (cups and bowls), and most importantly for the ritual drink of cassina tea (today’s Yaupon tea). Since so many were found in one place, Harris concludes that is “a sure sign” this is the location of a communal house within the village. 

A unique find from the site, and unique to central Florida, was a type of large spiky mollusk, the eastern murex. Harris discovered hundreds with an environmental evolution occuring on the shells. Coral polyps have colonized and are preserved on the shells. A malacologist, a scientist who studies mollusks, will be able to take the shells and identify the coral species, date the shells as well as determine depth, health, salt content, water temperature and where in the environment it was living. All this data was locked in the archaeological record. 

The coquina walls were not revealed until 1907 when the mound was mined for shell to use for roads. The walls were built into the mound. Other key discoveries at the site include huge sherds of pottery, sherds of effigy pots, and a fire-hardened piece of wood. The sherds of pottery are pieces of large bowls used to brew large batches of the cassina tea, and to serve food in the village. 

The 2,500 years of history at the site sheds light on the rich history and cultural significance. Each artifact serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who once lived here, inviting all citizens and visitors to delve deeper into the mysteries of our shared human heritage. 

According to the city, a concrete retaining wall was added behind the historic stone wall for enhanced stabilization and support. Waterproofing and installation of a drainage pipe were also included in the project. During the finishing phase, skilled masons were hired to repair cracks caused by settling.