Tocobaga Indians

[TPABoy88]

I live in the tampa bay area and supposedly right on top of where these people lived. I have roughly 50 acres of land, about 10-12 of which run alongside the hillsborough river and along a smaller creek. I was just curious if anyone had any ideas about what to look for if i happen to explore out there... BTW the land is very much swamp

 

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[JackInFlorida]

Hi TPABoy88,

My research on ancient Indian archeological finds points to someone always seeing pieces of pottery on the eroded shore of a river or creek.

Encampments were typically right next to the water.

Good Luck.

Jack

 

[TPABoy88]

Thank you very much jack, i think im going to give it a look either today or tomorrow

 

[G.I.B.]

Well then, history lesson for me. I didn't know about the Tocobaga Indians. Thanks!

http://fcit.usf.edu/Florida/lessons/tocobag/tocobag1.htm

I did know about Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528, and the follow on explorers though. There is a lot of history in the area. I doubt you would have any difficulty finding a dirt digging historian to accompany you on the hunt.

Good luck, and let us know what you find!

 

[newnan76]

Hey Tpaboy, I have lived in the Tampa Bay area all my life. I personally have been collecting Indian artifacts since I was about 10 years old and I will be the first to tell you there are many artifacts on your property its just a matter of knowing where and how to look. The Indians used the Hillsborough river as a means of travel and ambush hunting for thousands of years which equals lots of artifacts waiting to be discovered by you! There is nothing like pulling a big Newnan, Marion, or many other various types of projectile points and artifacts of Florida out of the ground that was used by the real pioneers of our country! So, how to find them you ask? DIG, DIG, and DIG some more. Start with little test holes through out your property digging down to what is called the hard pan ( a hard black layer of dirt) looking for flakes or chips of materials usually coral or chert that are from knapping. When you start to find those you are in it! Keep digging methodically and take your time, its a lot of work but worth it when you find a "SCREAMER". And just a last note, fill back in your holes and mark them so you know where you have dug already. If you ever want to hook up and do some artifact/relic/coin hunting let me know I would be more than willing to have the company. Good Luck, Ben

 

[ghost_rider]

While digging is a great way to find the stuff, if you are just going out to explore I would keep my eyes peeled for any flint chips or pieces of pottery that are laying on top of the ground.

These are always good indications of a villiage or work site where the Indians made their tools. Once this stuff is located then you can dig your test holes for more. I only dig test holes where I think there is something but there are no visible signs on top of the ground.

Hope this helps!!!

 

[DR]

I second Newnan76.
Your property is more than likely loaded with points.
DIG, DIG and DIG till you find them.
Projectile points are worth big bucks these days!
DR

 

[Overeasy]

Are there any shell mounds on your land? The Ais Indians who were on the Indian River (east coast)were gathers of food and left shell mounds along the water where they would camp. Many of the mounds were destroyed by the first road builders as they used the shells for base material. They did not farm. Just a thought for you to ponder.