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More information
on Southwest Florida Archaeology and Calusa Indian Culture
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Overlooking the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, the Fort Myers Beach Cultural and Environmental Learning Center occupies a 3 acre Calusa Indian shell mound complex of national archaeological significance. The historic building housing the museum and cultural center is the oldest residential structure on Estero Island. Known locally as "The Mound House," the building served as the post office for Estero Island residents and fisherfolk from the surrounding bay, and was once occupied by members of the Koreshan Unity. Trees visible in 1911 photographs of the site are still standing today.
Public archaeology programs by the Randell Research Center. Photo courtesy of FMNH |
According to Florida Museum of Natural History scholars, the shell mounds that make up the archaeological site (known on the Florida Master Site File as 8LL4, the Estero Island Site) are remarkably well preserved. Its large size combined with its uncommon location on a barrier island make it one of only a handful of Calusa Indian village sites known to occur on barrier islands in southwest Florida. In addition, the site's proximity to Mound Key (8LL2, the major Calusa Indian ceremonial center) suggests a political association between residents of the two villages. The Estero Island Site, because of its excellent preservation of animal and plant remains, has the potential to produce important paleoenvironmental data associated with the last two centuries- a period critical to understanding present-day climatic and sea-level change. Both the archaeological site and the standing structure that houses the museum are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Calusa Indian net fisherman. Drawing by Marlo Clark, FMNH |
Once completed, the Cultural and Environmental Learning Center will serve as the cornerstone of the Fort Myers Beach ECO-ARCHAEO TRAIL. The Center's mission is to inform and educate residents and visitors about Florida prehistory, Calusa Indian culture, and early pioneer settlement and life on Estero Island. Museum and botanical garden tours, year-round lecture series and educational programs, and archaeological investigations conducted for the public by the Florida Museum of Natural History and The Randell Research Center are now being planned. Access will be via roadway or water-trail through the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.
STATUS: Under Development; projected opening Summer 1999.
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