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National Park designations can be confusing. There are 16 different designations and as we learn upon arriving at Seminole Rest, there are sites within sites.
As we acquire our Canaveral National Seashore, Eldora, stamp, the Park Ranger asks if we stamped our book at Seminole Rest. Though I thoroughly researched the seashore, this additional park site, is one I did not have on our list. After feeling satisfied with our exploration of the seashore’s beaches and trails, we take a drive for one last stamp.
Seminole Rest, is a National Historic Site. Though it is considered part of the Canaveral National Seashore, the site is about a 40 minutes drive, from the main park site.
Seminole Rest National Historic Site, is made up of shell mounds. A shell mound, or midden, is a historic, trash heap. There are mounds located all over the world, found on coasts, and primarily comprised of discarded mollusk shells. Clams, oysters, and conchs, are thought to be an important food source for Florida’s, Timucua Indians.
Archeologists came to the conclusion that the Timucua Indians created the mounds of Seminole Rest, based on artifacts, found among the discarded shells. The largest mound at the site, is seventeen layers deep.
Due to their chemical composition, shell mounds are easily taken over by nature. They create unique landscapes, that are home to a diverse collection of plants and trees.
The historic site’s stamp, is housed in the cheerfully yellow, Instone House.
There are a few exhibits inside the house, showcasing items found by archeologists. An easy, paved trail, loops around the historic site, offering glimpses to the land’s past.
If you have time on your drive to or from Canaveral National Seashore, Seminole Rest is worth a quick stop. It presents an interesting combination of nature and history and it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn something new.
Book a stay so you can explore parks and learn new things too!
