Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, August 7, 2018
1. Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound Marker
You are looking at a hill of earth which is the original temple mound built by the Prehistoric People living here between A.D. 700 and A.D. 1500. It is thought to be one of the largest human-made prehistoric earthworks on salt water.
The temple mound was once the center of a city. The Mound Builders had no beasts of burden or wheeled vehicles, so mounds were built entirely by hand. It was built at this location because there was a source of reliable fresh water and readily available seafood.
It was constructed in stages over time as each leader had a new temple structure built, which added height to the mound.
The Mound Builders lived mostly during the Mississippian Time Period (A.D. 1000-1500).
From excavations, it is known that a building existed at this location during prehistoric times. The temple replica was created in 1976 to represent the possible size and shape of the structure once at this site. The roof was made to resemble thatch, but is actually cement, designed to withstand heave winds.
Erected by Community Redevelopment Agency.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 700 CE.
Location. 30° 24.248′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Preserving and Protecting the Mound (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Preserving and Protecting the Mound (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Walton (within shouting distance of this marker); Okaloosa County Desert Storm Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gulfview Hotel (about 500 feet away); Indianola Inn, An Indian Midden Mound, and Civil War Cannons (about 700 feet away); Bud & Dorie Day Patriots' Trail (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Walton Beach.
Also see . . .
1. Indian Temple Mound Museum. City website entry (Submitted on May 25, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
2. Fort Walton Mound. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 7, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, August 7, 2018
2. Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound Marker on left
Photographed By Tim Fillmon, August 7, 2018
3. Fort Walton Temple Mound Entrance with Mound in Background
Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 24, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2020, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
