Tallahassee in Leon County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Apalachee Home - Simple & Sturdy

— Mission San Luis —

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

1. Apalachee Home - Simple & Sturdy Marker

Inscription. The dwelling frame to your right represents the shape and size of a typical Apalachee home. Although the Apalachee were skilled carpenters, their own dwellings were relatively simple. Most activities were conducted outside, with homes reserved for sleeping and storage. An Apalachee house was described in 1675 as small, round, and made of thatch with a low, narrow doorway and no windows. The only interior features mentioned were a central hearth and sleeping benches covered with pelts. Smudge pits beneath these benches provided smoke to repel insects. There may have been a small opening in the thatched roof for ventilation.

Nearby forests provided the materials for construction. The shelters were built by lashing together a frame of wooden poles and covering this frame with layers of palmetto fronds. Houses were easy to repair and new houses quickly built. This allowed the Apalachee to relocate settlements away from the mission.

(caption)
An Apalachee house was partially excavated east of this exit. It was 21 feet in diameter and had a row of smaller posts for sleeping benches as well as support posts near the center.

Erected by Florida Heritage.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era

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• Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1675.

Location. 30° 27.062′ N, 84° 19.232′ W. Marker is in Tallahassee, Florida, in Leon County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Tennessee Street and Ocala Road, on the right when traveling south. Located on the grounds of the Mission San Luis living history museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2100 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee FL 32304, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Traditions in Transition (here, next to this marker); Apalachee Families (here, next to this marker); La Florida’s El Camino Real (within shouting distance of this marker); The Friars’ Daily Life (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cemetery at San Luis (within shouting distance of this marker); Christianity and the Apalachee (within shouting distance of this marker); The Spanish Fort at San Luis (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Community Gathers at the Plaza (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tallahassee.

Also see . . .
1. Mission San Luis. (Submitted on January 14, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. San Luis de Talimali Tallahassee

Photographed By Brandon D Cross

2. Apalachee Home - Simple & Sturdy Marker

. (Submitted on January 14, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 55 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.