Photo: Tocobaga Temple Mound Information Board, left portion

Photographer: Julie Szabo
Taken: April 17, 2008
Caption: Tocobaga Temple Mound Information Board, left portion
Additional Description: Tocobaga Temple Mound
The Temple Mound was built by Native Americans known as the Tocobaga. It is the largest remaining mound in the Tampa Bay region. The mound was made of alternating layers of shell and sand. Remains of posts indicate there was at least on structure on top, possibly used for ceremonial purposes or the chief’s dwelling. Archeologists believe the ramp led to a “town plaza” at the base of the mound.

The village extended to the south, as well as to the … in an L-shaped pattern. Remains of this village were discovered in the early 20th century. The trash here, known as a kitchen midden, also left many clues to their culture and social structure.

When the Spanish arrived, they described the Tocobaga people as tall, well-muscled, strong and agile. They were armed with powerful bows, stone-tipped arrows and and spears thrown with atlals. The Tocobaga wore little clothing, but had many tattoos signifying their rank or status within the tribe. This village was a center of political and cultural influence and was home to between 400 and 2500 people.

Panfilo de Narvaez came here in 1528 with 400 men in a quest for gold and silver. Many conquistadors, such as Narvaez, had little concern for native peoples’ welfare and treated them cruelly. Cabeza de Vaca was one of only four men that survived this ill-fated expedition. This information comes directly from his journal and is confirmed by the archaeological record. His descriptions of their journey and interactions with the native peoples offer insights into both the native and Spanish cultures.

Historians agree that Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who founded St. Augustine, came here in 1567. He was seeking a direct waterway between Tampa Bay and St. Augustine, which we now know does not exist. Menendez left 30 men to establish a mission and spread Christianity. A Jesuit priest returned in January 1568 to find all 30 men killed and the Tocobaga village abandoned.

The demise of the Tocobaga was likely caused by European diseases for which the Native Americans had no immunities. It is believed that any remnant of the Tocobaga probably merged with the Creek peoples moving into peninsular Florida during the 1700's.
Submitted: November 18, 2008, by Julie Szabo of Oldsmar, Florida.
Database Locator Identification Number: p43906
File Size: 0.188 Megabytes

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