Palmetto in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Adapting to Island Living

— Emerson Point Preserve —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 3, 2025

1. Adapting to Island Living Marker

Inscription. Because sources of hard stone were located farther north, the native people of Snead Island relied on shell and bone to create most of the tools necessary for their everyday tasks.

Large conchs were fitted with wooden handles to be used as hammers for opening shellfish and as adzes to cut and carve wood. Thick conch columns were ground and grooved for ornaments and fishing weights or cut and drilled to make beads. Slivers of deer bone were shaped into shuttles for weaving or into points for spears and fish hook barbs. Plant fibers were used to weave fishing nets and pierced shells were added as weights. Deposits of local clay were used to make pottery bowls and bottles that were hardened in open fires.

We can only imagine the richness and beauty of wood carvings, painted deerskins, feather work, weaving, and body art that were once displayed at this important ceremonial center.

(caption) Spear point; Arrowhead; Spear point; Shell necklace pendants; Conch shell beads; Conch hammer; Deer bone dagger; Conch shell weights; Pottery Bowl

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 27° 31.868′ N, 82° 37.598′

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W. Marker is in Palmetto, Florida, in Manatee County. It can be reached from 17th Street West 0.2 miles west of 57th Terrace West, on the left when traveling west. Located within the Emerson Point Preserve. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5801 17th St West, Palmetto FL 34221, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast

and on Tampa Bay.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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: A Look Back in Time (here, next to this marker); Pioneer Life in the Wilds (here, next to this marker); Seeds of the Future (a few steps from this marker); Glimpse into Prehistory (a few steps from this marker); Mysteries of the Mounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Temple Mound at Emerson Point (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Bountiful Harvest (about 300 feet away); Snead Island / Seventh Day Adventist School (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palmetto.

Also see . . .
1. Portavant Temple Mound at Emerson Point Preserve. (Submitted on July 5, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Emerson Point Timeline. (Submitted on July 5, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, July 3, 2025

2. Adapting to Island Living Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.