Friday Lecture Series: Uncovering the Mysteries of Wakulla Springs Archaeology

The archaeological and historical sites in Wakulla Springs State Park are part of a National Archaeological and Historical District (8WA513).  Fifty-five archaeological sites were originally identified that range in age from late Pleistocene Paleoindian to the Twentieth Century.  Virtually all known expressions of regional human cultures are identified here.  Since 1993, when the historic district was established, investigations have included archaeological testing prior to ground disturbing activities as well as one project that was funded through the National Geographic Society in 2008.  Since 2015, a grant-funded archaeological project has been underway representing the first major archaeological investigation to take place in this unique district.  In 2015 and 2016, archaeological grid testing took place on fifty-acre area of park property. This phase of the project led to the identification of four new sites in the park and two others in the adjacent Wakulla State Forest. The western part of the Wakulla Lodge site (8WA329) became the subject of the first major excavation. At least fifteen archaeological components ranging in age from Paleoindian to late Twentieth Century have been identified at this time.