Historic District in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
4,000 BC
The Timacua Indians
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, December 16, 2021
1. 4,000 BC Marker
Native Americans, known today as the Timucua, begin to occupy the region that spreads from present-day Central Florida to Southwest Georgia. The Timucua were a loosely knit confederation of tribes that shared a common language, but were not bound politically as a common people with a common governing body or Leadman. They would trade with one another, but also go to war against each other.
When Ponce de Leon first made contact with Native Americans in present-day Florida, this region of the "New World" had been occupied by the Timucua people for almost 4,000 years or before the completion of the pyramids of Egypt. Many anthropologists believe that humans began to arrive in Florida as early as 12,000 years ago. In time, and with environmental changes, the native populations grew and cultures evolved. Peoples such as the Timucua, Tequesta, Calusa, and Apalachee became the cornerstones of Native American social structure in the region. By 1500 A.D. there is believed to have been roughly one million people in Florida.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 29° 54.405′ N, 81° 18.931′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns
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Regionally, this marker is in First Coast and in Greater Jacksonville. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Juan Ponce (here, next to this marker); 1513 La Florida (here, next to this marker); 1565 Menendez (here, next to this marker); Tabby / Coquina (here, next to this marker); Chief Saturiwa (here, next to this marker); Tinajσnes (a few steps from this marker); Ancient Civilization Uncovered! (a few steps from this marker); Spanish Cannon (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Ponce de Leσn's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Also see . . . Timucua Tribe Lost Today. Legends of America website entry:
Spanish explorers were shocked at the size of the Timucua, well-built and standing four to six inches or more above them. Perhaps adding to their perceived height was that Timucuan men would wear their hair in a bun on top of their heads. All were heavily tattooed, and such tattoos were gained by deeds, usually in hunting or war. These elaborate decorations were created by poking holes in the skin and rubbing ashes(Submitted on December 24, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)into the holes. The Timucua were dark-skinned with black hair. They wore minimal clothing woven from moss or crafted from various animal skins.
2. Marker detail: Native
3. Marker detail: Timucua Map
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, December 16, 2021
4. 4,000 BC Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, December 16, 2021
5. 4,000 BC Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 846 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 24, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
