HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001-50 Accepting the Findings of _An Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Village of Key Biscayne Civic Center_RESOLUTION NO. 2001-50
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA; ACCEPTING
THE FINDINGS OF "AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF
THE PROPOSED VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE CIVIC
CENTER (FIRE STATION AND ADMINISTRATION/POLICE
BUILDING); DONATING THREE CERAMIC POTTERY TO
THE MARJORIE STONEMAN DOUGLAS NATURE
CENTER; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Miami -Dade County Historic Preservation Department requested the Village
conduct testing and monitoring of that portion of the Civic Center that contains the Fire Station and
Administration/Police building; and
WHEREAS, the Village's archaeological consultant prepared an archaeological survey which
documented that three ceramic pottery shards were contained in the fill that was brought to the site;
and
WHEREAS, the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Nature Preserve is located in Crandon Park in
close proximity to the Village and maintains artifacts which are indigenous to South Florida; and
WHEREAS, the archaeological consultant submitted a report to the Village wherein it was
determined that the "further archaeological investigation or preservation of the site is considered not
necessary".
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS:
.. •
Section 1. That the Village Council accepts the findings presented in the attached
"Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Village of Key Biscayne Civic Center Property (Fire Station
and Administration/Police Building)" prepared by Robert Stewart M.A. dated June 28, 2001.
Section 2. That the three ceramic pottery shards, which were found in fill that was delivered
to the site, be donated to the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Nature Preserve in Crandon Park.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of July , 2001.
,4/66,
A H. ALVAREZ, CMC, VILLAGE CLE
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL SUFFIC
°kil/t
r
RICHARD JAY WEISS, VILLAGE ATTORNEY
MAYOR JOE I. RASCO
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE
Department of Building, Zoning and Planning
Village Council
Joe I. Rasco, Mayor
Mortimer Fried, Vice Mayor
Scott Bass
Martha Fdez-Leon Broucek
Alan H. Fein
Robert Oldakowski
James L. Peters
Director
Jud Kurlancheek, AICP
DT: June 28, 2001
TO: C. Samuel Kissi er, Village Manager
FR: Jud Kurlanche , AICP, Director
Building, Zoning, and Planning Department
RE: Village Civic Center: Archaeological Survey for the
Fire Station and Administration/Police Building
Attached is the Archaeological Survey for the Fire Station and Administration/Police
Building. During the course of the investigation, represenatives of the Miami -Dade County
Department of Historical Preservation visited the site on several occasions. Also, our
archaeological consultant has worked closely with County staff. During the course of our
investigation, three ceramic pottery shards were found in fill that was brought to the site.
As such they were not "considered to be significant". Because these shards are
considered prehistoric, our consultant has recommended to staff that they be donated to
the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Nature Center in Crandon Park. The Survey found that
"further archaeological or preservation of the site is not considered necessary". The
Survey has been forwarded to the Miami -Dade County.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council' accept the Archaeological Survey and that the three ceramic pottery
shards be donated to the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Nature Preserve in Crandon Park.
85 West McIntyre Street • Key Biscayne, Florida 33149 • (305) 365-5511 • Fax (305) 365-5556
MISSION STATEMENT "TO PROVIDE A SAFE, QUALITY COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL ISLANDERS THROUGH RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT"
An Archaeological Survey
Of the Proposed
Village of Key Biscayne Civic Center Property
(Fire Station and Village Administration / Police Station)
Miami -Dade County, Florida
Archaeological testing and monitoring conducted by Robert Stewart M.A.
June 28, 2001
An Archaeological Survey
Of the proposed
Village of Key Biscayne Civic Center Property
(Fire Station and Administration / Police Station)
Authored
By
Rob Stewart
Principle Investigator
Rob Stewart
Archaeological Consultant
121 Jolly Roger Dr.
Key Largo, F133037
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3
Environmental Setting... ... . . . ... ... ... ... 4
Regional Environment... ... ... ... ... ... ... •• • ••• ••• ••• • •• ••• ••• • •• ••• •• • ••• •• • ••• • • • ••• ••• 4
Pre -Urban Environment... • • • ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• • • • ••• •• • ••• ••• •• • ••• ••• ••• • •• • •• •• • •• •• • • • • 5
Modern Environment. . ... 6
CulturalPrehistory ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... 8
Paleoindian Stage .. 8
Archaic Stage ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ........ 9
Transitional Period.............................. ••• ••• ••• • •• ••• ••• ••• 4 •• •• • • • • ••• ••• ••• ••• • 10
Glades Period ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .... 11
Historic Period ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .. . 13
Site File Search and Literature Review.............................. ... ... ... ... ... ... .. 18
Research Considerations.................................................................. 19
FieldMethods ... ... ... ... ... . . . .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 19
Phase I Survey Results.......................................... 21
Archaeological Monitoring Results 21
Conclusions and Recommendations...................................................... 22
Appendix I 23
References Cited...... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ...... ... ... ... .... 24
List of Figures and Tables
Cover, Photograph of the Cape Florida Lighthouse by Ralph Monroe
Figure 1... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1
Figure2... ... ... ........................... ...... ... .................. ... ......... ......... 2
Figure3 ... ... '. ......... ... ......... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... .
Table 1... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ...... ... .... 12
Project Location Map
Miami -Dade County, FI
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Map bsed on USGS Data 1999
By Rob Stewart 6/5/02001
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Based on USGS Data 1999, Rob Stewart 6/5/01 Figure 1
1
RECEIVED: 6/28/01 6:22PM; -KEY BISCAYNE B Z P; #8; PAGE 8
01/01/1997 04:09 3058531173
ROB STEWART PAGE 08
Project Area Map
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3
Introduction
The project is located within the Village of Key Biscayne, Miami -Dade County, Florida
(Figures 1 and 2). The study area consists of 2.06 acre parcel of land. The parcel is
bounded on the north by West McIntyre Street, Crandon Blvd on the east, and Fernwood
Rd. on the west.
The purpose of the survey was to determine if any cultural resources are present within
the project boundaries, and assess the eligibility of potential resources for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places.
The State of Florida division of Historical Resources was consulted about the location of
known archaeological sites within or near the project boundaries. For the purposes of
this survey, an area with a radius of 1.6 km (1 mile) was selected. One previously
recorded archaeological site was located within the study area. A prehistoric black dirt
midden, 8DA0005 was reported to be in the "general vicinity" of the project area.
A Phase I archaeological survey was conducted on the property. Sub -surface testing and
surface inspection was employed to locate potential resources on the property. In
addition, monitoring of construction related excavation was undertaken to ensure that no
impacts to cultural resources would occur.
Research at the site indicated that deposits of fill had previously impacted much of the
property. Limited amounts of cultural material were located on the property. Three
prehistoric ceramic sherds were located during the survey. However, these appear to
have originated from fill, and therefore not considered to be significant. Further
archaeological investigation or preservation of the site is not considered necessary.
4
Environmental Setting
Archaeological site predictive models rely on a variety of environmental factors.
Factors such as topography, geology and hydrology as well as zoologic and botanic
resources are used to formulate settlement and subsistence models. A summary of these
factors is therefore included in this study.
Regional Environment
The project is located within the broader Atlantic Coastal Ridge Physiograghic Province,
which is characterized by low, poorly drained flatland that represents the shallow, flat
bottoms of Pleistocene seas. The thin superficial deposits of soil are underlain by oolitic
limestone foundation (Missimer 1984).
The geology of Key Biscayne is somewhat different, in that it lacks the upper expression of
limestone found elsewhere. Key Biscayne is the southernmost occurrence of sand barrier
island. The geology of the project area is dominated by marine muds and sub -aerially
deposited quartzite, calcium carbonate sands and organic peats.
Outcrops of stone suitable for tool manufacturing are absent from the southern portion of
Florida. Silicified limestone, or chert is found from Sarasota county, northward. However,
dolomite, a poor quality lithic resource does occur in the region, and was occasionally
exploited as a raw material.
Sources of freshwater were available nearby from ground and surface aquifers. The principle
local ground water source is the Biscayne Aquifer. This aquifer maintains a piezometric
surface above the ground surface resulting in artesian springs (White 1970). Historic
accounts indicate that these springs had sufficient flow to create boils on the surface of
Biscayne Bay, and also occurred on Key Biscayne (Tebeau 1971 and Blank 1996).
Surface sand and underlaying clay deposits serve as a confining layer for the surficial
aquifer. This aquifer is dependent on local rainfall, and would be accessible by digging
shallow wells. A number of historical accounts fresh water is present in literature and maps
(Blank 1996 and Romans 1775).
5
Pre -development Environment of the Project Area
The study area is situated between two distinct environments. The eastern edge of the
property is a transitional zone between a saltwater mangrove marsh and a dune ridge.
West of this transitional zone was an extensive tidal marsh.
The stratagragphic sequence encountered at the site indicates the project area was coastal
swamp prior to the deposition of fill. Historical accounts verify the property was once
considerably closer to the shoreline of Biscayne Bay and covered in Mangroves (Blank
1996). The first natural stratum encountered was a near uniform lens of very dark gray to
black, organically rich soil and peat. These types of soils form in low energy
environments were suspended solids are able to precipitate out of the water column.
When the rate of organic material deposition exceeds net loss, peat formations occur.
Paralic peat formations occur in a number of distinct patterns in south Florida. The type
found on Key Biscayne is typical of "regressive" formations. Wanless describes the
following scenario " Mangrove peat accumulates can be observed overlaying shallow
marine sand in the lee of seaward expanding beach dune systems (Wanless 1984 )". The
dune system typically associated with these formations is located along the eastern border
of the property.
Along the eastern boundary of the project area is the transition from saltwater marsh to
beach dune system. This beach dune consists of sub -aerially deposited sand and shell
hash, and roughly follows the north / south axis of the island. While somewhat
migratory, vegetation would have helped to stabilize the dune.
Indigenous vegetation consisted primarily of typical saltwater marsh species. Red, White
and Black mangroves as well as Buttonwood would be the predominant species. Closer
to the transitional zone with the beach dune, saltwort, salt grass, sea purslane and
cordgrasses would be present (Long 1974). Common vegetation along the beach burm
would include sea oats, cordgrass and seagrape. The environment surrounding the
6
project area would have supported a wide variety of food resources for indigenous
peoples. The coastal strand is a particularly abundant ecosystem.
Modern environment of the Project Area
The project area is currently devoid of native vegetation, and has been severely altered by
the deposition of fill material. Two distinct sequences of fill are present on the site. The
uppermost layer has recently been disturbed by construction activity. The upper 60 cm.
fill contains rock, sand, gravel and asphalt (Figure 3).
Below the first layer of fill on the eastern side of the property is a lens of sterile sand.
This lens of sand appears to be an artificial deposit, having been pumped in as slurry.
Support for this conclusion is provided by Blank (1996:118) who states "Matheson
pumped in bay bottom to fill in swampland". It is uniformly fine-grained shell hash,
lacking any material larger than 3mm. No stratigraphy is present within this 30 to 40 cm
thick lens. The lower stratum is indicative of a sub -aerially deposited beach dune,
roughly paralleling Crandon Blvd.
Below the artificial bay bottom sand is a natural surface containing an assortment of
fragmental shell material and beach rock. This stratum occurs within 20 cm of the
ground water level.
The natural surface of the western side of the project area (occurring 60 — 70 cm under
the current ground level) is calcitic marl and peat. This soil type typically results from
precipitation of fine-grained solids in a low energy marine environment. The transitions
between strata are clearly evident in all cases.
7
Representative Profile From Eastern Side of Property
Current Ground
Surface
Recently Disturbed Fill
Med. Gray Sandy Soil
With Limestone and
Asphalt
Fill, Med. Gray Sandy
Soil (Rock, glass, etc.)
Pumped in deposit of
Beach Sand -Sterile
Natural Surface
Lt. Gray Calcitic Marl
Water Table
Typical stratagraghic sequence from the eastern portion of the project area:
0-30 cm Recently disturbed fill material containing limestone, asphalt, glass shards,
metal fragments, etc. Overall appearance, Med. Gray
30-60 cm Med. Gray sandy soil fill. Slightly lighter in color than the previous
stratum due to less ground asphalt
60-80 cm Tan Beach Sand, Primarily shell hash. Non -stratified and well sorted
lacking material greater than 3mm. Appears to be fill pumped in as a
slurry
80-120+cm Lt. Gray Calcitic Marl. Fine-grained matrix containing some preserved
organic material
The water table generally coincides with the natural ground surface at roughly
80cmbs. (Tide dependent). Pumping has temporally lowered the water table visible
as the lowest surface in the photograph above.
Figure 3
8
Cultural pre -history
Native American groups have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. The earliest
stage, termed Paleoindian, occurred at the end of the Pleistocene glaciations. During this
period, between 14,000 and 10,000 years ago, sea levels were as much as 85 meters (100
feet) (Milanich and Fairbanks 1980:189) lower than present levels. During this period
"The present day shores of Ice Age Florida extended out to the edge of the deep'waters of
the Florida strait in the east and to the Gulf of Mexico in the west. The present day
peninsula now about 1OOkm across was then 200km across" (Fairbridge 1984:427). The
eastern shore of Key Biscayne would have been 12 km further east, ending at the 85
meter isobath. The western shore would likely have confined a freshwater lake, that is
now Biscayne Bay (Gifford 2000 PC).
The prevailing view of Paleoindian culture is that they were primarily nomadic big game
hunters traveling in small bands. This view is based on the near uniformity of tool kits
discovered throughout the southeastern states, and the limited number of recovered
artifacts.
Technologically, they produced exceptionally well -made stone projectile points,
scrappers, knives and spoke shaves as well as non -returning boomerangs (Clausen et al
1979). This artifact assemblage in conjunction with cut marks on mega -fauna bone
support the contention that Paleoindians were big game hunters.
A number of these tools have been found in direct association with now extinct
Pleistocene megafauna. Available resources, primarily water, would limit the size of the
groups. One estimate of 5,000 individuals has been proposed for the area between
Sarasota and Cape Sable on the west coast of Florida (Widmer1988:195).
The most prominent of these sites in south Florida is Little Salt Spring and the nearby
warm Mineral Spring in Sarasota County. These springs would have served as "oasis's"
during the much drier terminal Pleistocene epoch. Not only would the springs have
provided water, but the would have served as watering holes for mega -fauna, and thus a
9
food source for the Paleoindians. Now inundated, the Little Salt Spring contains anoxic
water, preserving organic material in excess of 12,000 years old. Excavations at a ledge
on the wall of the sinkhole (now 26 meters underwater) produced the remains of an
extinct giant land tortoise (Geochelone ssp.) that had been killed by a sharpened
Mulberry branch driven through the heart. The direct association of an extinct animal
and a manufactured weapon radiocarbon dated to 10,000 B.0 demonstrate the antiquity
of the site. In addition to the tortoise, an extinct giant ground sloth, mammoth and an
extinct bison were also found in the spring (Clausen et al 1979:610). Recent exploration
of the bottom of the spring and debris cone by the author may push back the earliest
occupation even further.
The closest Paleoindian site to the project area is the Cutler fossil site( 8DA2001), 12km
(7.5 miles) to the southwest. Extinct Pleistocene fauna including giant ground sloth,
horse and condor (Carr 1986). While Little salt Spring and Warm Mineral Spring are
geologically referred to as cover collapse sinkholes or cenotes, the dry sink at the Cutler
fossil site was much shallower, extending into a perched aquifer.
Additional Paleoindian sites almost certainly exist off the coast of south Florida, but have
been covered by alluvial sediment and rising sea level.
Archaic Stage
The Archaic stage of cultural development is characterized in a diversification in adaptive
strategies as a result of global climatic change. During the transition between the
Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs, sea -levels rose and the climate of Florida became both
warmer and more humid. By 8,500 years ago, many of the large animals exploited by
paleoindians had become extinct, forcing changes is subsistence patterns. The extent that
hunting pressure contributed to the demise of megafauna is uncertain. However, hunting
pressure most certainly contributed to the demise of many species.
The Archaic period began is south Florida between 7,000 and 6,500 B.C. (Milancich and
Fairbanks 1980: Widmer 1988). During this period a shift in subsistence strategy toward
10
seasonal exploitation of a wider range of resources was made. With the extinction of
mega -fauna, smaller fauna as well as marine and flora began to make up a larger portion
of their diet. Archaic groups are also thought to have inhabited more restricted ranges,
using specific locations for specific functions.
As with the Paloeindian period, Little Slat Spring contributes significantly to our
understanding of early archaic period sites in South Florida. Cluasen and other
researchers at the spring have located a large cemetery in slough leading away form the
spring basin. Cluasen estimates that the cemetery may contain as many as 1,000 burials
(1979). Dates of 4,000 years B.C. were arrived at based on radiometric dating and
projectile point typology.
As the climate of Florida become more modern, areas previously uninhabitable began to
be exploited (Chance 1983). Artifact assemblages began to include wood stakes, bone
pins, awls, knives and plummets are often found. Distinctive projectile point types
become more common and are used as temporal horizons.
Later in the Archaic period, sites began appearing in Southeast Florida. Carr (1984)
reports six sites were recorded in Miami -Dade county during a survey of archaeological
sites conducted by the Miami -Dade Division of Historical Preservation. One such Late
Archaic site is 8DA 2132, the Santa Maria site. Research at the Santa Maria site suggests
an occupation between 4000-3000 B.P. This appearance of sites corresponds with a
period when dramatic changes were occurring in the environment of south Florida
(Widmer 1971). The Santa Maria site is located along Biscayne Bay, 6km northwest of
the project area.
IP
Orange Phase
The appearance of fiber -tempered pottery into archaeological artifact assemblages is
marks the transition from the Archaic to Orange period. The arrival of pottery in south
Florida is first noted from sites on Marco Island from sites dating to 3400 +1- B.P.
(Bullen and Bullen 1976). Additional early sites have been identified along Biscayne
Bay (Carr 1981). The basic hunting and foraging subsistence pattern typical of the
11
Archaic stage continued. However, as the Orange period progressed, an increased use of
the costal strand is evident. Technological and stylistic changes to pottery continued.
Glades
The Glades period is next in the cultural sequence of South Florida. This period spans
over 2000 years and has been divided into three phases based on the occurrence of
ceramic types (Goggin 1947). This group on the Southeast coast were also known as the
Tequesta.
The Glades I period is characterized by the appearance and distribution of undecorated
sand tempered pottery. Further subdivisions of each period have been created as our
knowledge of the sequence has been refined. Table 1 has been adapted from Milanich
and Fairbanks (1980:Table 4) to illustrate the Glades cultural sequence.
During the Glades II period (750 A.D. — 1200 A.D.) decorated ceramics first appeared.
Incisions or impressions were made on the vessel prior to firing. The designs created by
these lines serve as temporal horizons, allowing for the accurate dating of archaeological
sites of this period. Mound construction also increased in frequency during this time
period.
The Glades III period (1200 A.D. —1500 A.D.) is marked by a shift in decorative styles
and vessel shape. In addition, evidence of increased trade contact with central and north
Florida is evident. Stone tools made from material originating from the Tampa Bay area
and pottery from North Florida become more common. The end of the Glades III period
coincides with the European contact period.
Coastal Glades subsistence patterns typically rely on the exploitation of the abundant
marine resources located nearby. The proximity to shallow water resources in Biscayne
Bay as well as coastal and open ocean resources of the Atlantic accounts for the number
of archaeological sites located on and around Key Biscayne.
12
Glades Period Chronology
Adapted from Milanich and Fairbanks (1980)
Period
Dates Distinguishing Characteristics
Glades I 500B.C. — 500A.D. First appearance of sand -tempered pottery
(Early) No pottery decorations
Glades I
(Late)
500-750 A.D.
Glades IIa 750-900 A.D.
First appearance of decorated pottery
Fort Drum decorated series ( Ft. Drum Punctated
and Ft. Drum Incised)
Appearance of Key Largo Incised, Sanibel Incised,
Opalocka Incised, Miami Incised. Mound
construction increases and possibly an increase in
social stratification
Glades Ilb 900-1000 A.D. Key Largo Incised Dominant, Appearance of
Matecube Incised
Glades IIc 1000-1200 A.D. Few decorated ceramics. Near absence of
decoration between A.D. 1000- A.D. 1200
Glades ilia 1200-1400 A.D. Appearance of Surfside Incised. Increase in
St. Johns tradeware
Glades Mb 1400-1513 A.D. Few decorated ceramics
Glades IIIc 1513-1700 A.D. Appearance of European artifacts
IP
Table 1
13
Historic Period
Although there is evidence that European explorers were in the area before 1513, official
credit for the discovery of Florida goes to Juan Ponce de Leon. He is believed to have
sailed northward along the Florida coast, landing as far north as Cape Canaveral (Tebeau
1965). He then turned south again following the coastline to Biscayne Bay, perhaps
stopping at Key Biscayne. Woodman (1961:10) says" Spaniards found fresh water and
firewood plentiful on Key Biscayne. Ponce's cartographer noted the Key, and as a result
most early Spanish maps of Florida show Key Biscayne as a good landing for fresh
water." During the same trip, he apparently named the Key "Santa Marta" (Woodman
1961).
Other Spanish explorers followed Juan Ponce de Leon's lead, and over the next fifty
years the Spanish government and private individuals financed expeditions in hopes of
establishing a colony in Florida. None of these early attempts were successful, so Spain
closed the area to further exploration in 1561 (Smith and Gottlob 1978).
The Spanish policy was reversed in 1562 when the French established a small colony at
the mouth of the St.Johns River. Pedro Menendez de Aviles was dispatched to challenge
this encroachment and build a permanent settlement. In 1565, Mendez founded St.
Augustine. A settlement at St. Augustine provided Spain the base from which it could
expand its presence in other parts of Florida (Gannon 1965).
In 1567, Brother Villareal was sent to a post near modern day downtown Miami. The
following year a skirmish between the Spanish and Tequesta temporarily closed the
mission. By the end of 1568, the Tequesta were willing to allow the reopening of the
mission. The ifiission was finally and permanently discontinued in 1670. By 1572,
native groups in Florida were still resistant to Christian conversion, and Jesuit
authorities decided to abandon their missionary effort in Florida. There was one other
attempt to build a mission in south Florida, but it was not to happen for nearly 150 years.
When Florida was traded to England in the mid -1700's land was offered to encourage
British Colonial settlement. Groups of investors were formed to finance plantations
14
including one called the Cape Florida Society. However, before these enterprises could
proceed very far, Florida was traded back to Spain (Tebeau 1971).
Father Joseph Maria Monaco and Joseph Xavier Alana were sent from Cuba in 1743 and
arrived at an aboriginal village located at the mouth of the Miami River, about 16.1 km
(10 miles) northwest of the project area. The village did not appear any more receptive
towards accepting Christianity than it had been earlier, and after Alana conveyed this to
the Governor of Cuba, the mission was closed and the fort they had erected was
destroyed to avoid its fall into enemy hands (Parks 1984).
By the middle of the eighteenth century, the indigenous population of south Florida had
declined considerably as a result of disease, intertribal warfare, and attacks from a new
group of Native Americans, the Seminoles. Members of the Lower Creek nation along
with Yuchis, Yamasses and escaped slaves migrated into Florida during the first half of
the century and soon became the predominant group. When the British took control in
1763, many of the few remaining members of the Tequestas were taken to Cuba by the
Spanish (Romans 1775).
In the 1770s several British writers and cartographers visited southern Florida. Their
accounts confirm the absence of Tequestas and their immigration to Cuba (Parks n.d.).
Bernard Romans referred to the Miami River as the "Rio Rattones" on his map of the
area (Philips 1975) . Romans also located the ruins of the 1743 mission on the north
bank of the Miami River while he was mapping out a land grant in the area (Frazier
1975). The British ruled Florida for twenty years before relinquishing control to Spain.
Spain had only -limited control over Florida during the Second Spanish Period 1783-1821.
Spain formally ceded Florida to the United States in 1821, according to terms of the
Adams-Onis Treaty. At this time the population was still centered in the northern areas
around Pensacola and the St. Johns River. As more settlers moved into the region,
conflicts with Seminoles increased. Settlers soon began to demand the Indians be
relocated.
15
As soon as the United States acquired Florida, it began urging the Indians there to leave
their lands and relocate along with other southeastern tribes to Indian Territory, present-
day Oklahoma. The Treaty of Payne's Landing, signed by a small number of Seminoles
in May 1832, required Indians to give up their Florida lands within three years and move
west. When the U.S. Army arrived in 1835 to enforce the treaty, many fled to the
Everglades (Tebeau 1971).
The Second Seminole War (1835-1842), usually referred to as the "Seminole War"
proper, was the fiercest war waged by the U.S. government against American Indians.
The United States spent more than $20 million fighting the Seminoles. The war left more
than 1,500 soldiers and uncounted American civilians deaths. During this time period a
military camp, Ft. Dallas or Fort Bankhead as it was also known, was established on Key
Biscayne near Cape Florida (Tebeau 1971). However, the fort was later relocated to the
north bank of the Miami River.
Toward the beginning of the Second Seminole War, the Cape Florida Lighthouse was
attacked. On July 23, 1836, a band of forty to fifty Indians attacked the assistant
lighthouse keeper and a helper. John W. Thompson and Aaron Carter were able to retreat
into the lighthouse tower with only minor injuries. The attack continued as Indians
burned the keeper's cottage, outbuildings and tried to burn out the door to the tower. A
fire in the base of the tower broke out after containers of lighting oil were shot
(Woodman 1961). Heat from the fires forced Thompson and Carter from the tower, out
onto a platform circling the tower. While in this exposed position, Carter was shot and
killed and Thompson was critically injured. Fortunately, the following day a Navy ship
arrived to investigate after hearing an explosion. Thompson was eventually rescued from
the tower and taken to a military hospital where he later recovered (Blank 1996).
Hostilities in the region prevented repair of the lighthouse until 1846. The tower was
raised to 95 feet in 1855 and a more efficient Fresnel lens was installed in March of 1856
(Blank 1996). The lighthouse was retired in 1878 when it was replaced by the offshore
lighthouse at Fowey Rocks (Woodman 1961:Blank 1996).
16
In 1855, the Third Seminole War began and Fort Dallas (now located on the Miami
River) was once again occupied, this time more intensely than ever (Parks 1984). The
two original stone buildings were refurbished and a blacksmith shop, carpenter shop,
kitchens and officer's quarters were added to the site (Parks 1984). The Third Seminole
War lasted for three years, with a heavy toll on both sides. It is estimated that the
Seminole Indian population in Florida was reduced to about 200 by the time the war
ended in 1858.
Settlement growth near the project area after the Third Seminole War was curtailed by
the next major conflict, the American Civil War. During the period of 1860-1870, Dade
County's population gained only two people, for a total of 85 residents (Peters 1981).
In 1891 Julia Sturtevant Tuttle purchased the Ft. Dallas property from the Biscayne Bay
Company for $2,000.00 (Parks 1984). She later reached an agreement with Henry
Flagler to transfer to him half of her acreage along the Miami River in exchange fro
bringing the Florida East Coast Railway to Miami (Peters 1984). In 1896 the railroad
arrived, opening the door for the development of Miami.
The City of Miami was incorporated three months after the construction of Flagler's
railroad, with a population of 502 voters. The population of Miami had risen to over 1600
by 1900, and Flagler wanted to move onward to Key West. Flagler's first step was to
acquire land on which to lay track for the extension to Homestead (Mann 1983) . From
there he intended to continue southward with the goal of reaching Key West (Tebeau
1971).
Title to portions of Key Biscayne changed hands a number of times in the 1800's (Blank
1996: Woodman 1961). Conflicting claims based on titles and land grants given over the
previous hundred years eventually had to be resolved in the Supreme Court (Blank 1996).
Most of these early pioneers had little impact on the environment of the island. However,
17
at the close of the nineteenth century, agriculture and settlement would start transforming
the island.
In the 1890's, Ezra A. Osborn and Elnathan T. Field attempted to start a coconut
plantation on Key Biscayne. The state government, anxious to encourage development,
sold them a large tract of land on Key Biscayne. The purchase price was seventy cents
per acre (Woodman 1961). The plantation was unsuccessful, and when one of the
partners died in 1895, the property was willed to the Osborn heirs. This land would sit
idle for the next nine years.
In 1909, Dr. William John Matheson purchased a large tract from the Osborn heirs.
Following the purchase Matheson began developing the land. Mangrove swamps were
filled, roads constructed and extensive landscaping took place. Matheson continued
purchasing and developing land on the island. "By 1928 seventeen hundred of the
island's two thousand one hundred ten acres were owned by the Commodore (Matheson)
and his family, in addition Dr. Matheson's Florida Pioneering extended elsewhere
(Woodman 1961).
The hurricane of September 19, 1926 damaged many of the structures and plantings on
Key Biscayne. Because there had not been a major storm in Dade County for 16 years,
the hurricane took the area by surprise. "Total casualties [statewide] were 392 dead,
6,281 injured, and 17,784 families affected by losses with the greatest loss at Moore
Haven" (Tebeau 1971:387). Efforts to cleanup after the hurricane began immediately as
Matheson tried to save damaged plants (Blank 1996).
1R
Site File Search and Literature Review
A search of the pertinent literature and records of the surrounding area was conducted.
This search included archaeological and historical resources located on Key Biscayne as
well as the surrounding region. The Florida site File Office was contacted for
information on previously recorded sites on Key Biscayne. Fourteen known
archaeological sites are located on Key Biscayne, with several in the vicinity of the
project area. These site files were reviewed to gather information about potential site
types that may occur in the project area.
Based on this literature review and data from a survey of archaeological sites in the area,
a description of potential site types is offered here. Prehistoric site types deemed most
likely to occur are midden sites, habitation areas and shell scatters. Historic sites would
potentially be associated with coconut cultivation and processing during the 1900's and
subsequent settlement of the island.
The closest recorded site, 8DA0005, is a black dirt midden reported by Goggin (Florida
Master Site File). This site type would be characterized by moderate to extensive
amounts of shell and faunal bone in a matrix of black organic soil. Middens may contain
a variety of artifacts such as faunal bone, ceramics, shell, charcoal, and additional refuse.
Middens may function as habitation, tool manufacturing or food preparation sites. In
addition, human burials are regularly encountering at large midden sites. Prior to this
survey, it was not known if portions of this site were located on the property to be
developed
Shell scatter sites are common along coastal areas, and have been observed by the author
within 3 km of the project area. Shell scatters vary in both size and type. Refuse piles
from food procurement activities are common and may contain hundreds or even
thousands of shells. Extraction holes on edible species indicate the intended use. In
addition to food refuse piles, these shell scatters can result from tool manufacturing.
19
Deliberately modified shells were utilized to perform a number of tasks. Shells of the
Queen conch (Strombus gigas) and of Whelks (Busycon spp.).
Another potential site type within the project area would be remains of historic buildings.
Locating portions of wood structures is unlikely due to the environment of the site.
However, structures associated with settlement are possible. Foundations, cisterns, ovens
and equipment or structures related to agricultural processing may have survived intact.
Research Considerations
The background and literature review, in combination with pertinent environmental
variables contributed to a site -specific research methodology. This methodology was
designed to effectively locate and evaluated any archaeological resources in the project
area.
Site probability zones are a method ranking areas based on the relative likelihood that
sites are present. This determination is based on models, which take a number of
variables into account. The environments of known sites are investigated to identify
these variables and modify the models to regional conditions. The project area was
determined to have a high potential for containing archaeological resources based on the
environmental setting, availability of resources and proximity to previously recorded
sites.
The research design called for sub -surface shovel testing to be conducted systematically
at 10 -meter intervals in addition to intensive surface inspection and monitoring during
construction activities. In addition to systematic testing, judgmental testing at a higher
intensity was employed in areas deemed more likely to contain archaeological resources.
Field Methods
During the field survey, surface inspection and shovel testing was employed to locate
potential cultural material or features. Subsurface shovel testing consisted of square
holes, measuring approximately 40 X 40 cm. Where possible, these shovel tests were
20
excavated to a depth of 1 meter below the strata representing natural ground surface. In
some instances, water intrusion prevented excavation below the water table. Excavated
soil was screened through 6.4 mm (.25 inch) metal hardware cloth. Recovered artifacts
were stored in specimen bags identified by field specimen number, date, location,
recorder, stratagragphic and any other pertinent information.
Due to the volume of soil displaced during construction activity at the site, an intensive
surface inspection was used to augment subsurface testing. The entire property was
inspected once daily in additional to monitoring while excavation was taking place.
Further subsurface investigation was made possible by the cooperation of contractors
working on the site. In a number of locations, backhoe operators excavated roughly 1 X
1 m. holes, allowing the author to inspect additional profiles. Heavy equipment was able
to excavate the holes deeper than would be feasible by hand digging. Water intrusion
generally caused the collapse of shovel tests between 60 and 70 cm below the bottom of
each trench (trench bottoms averaged 10cm above natural ground surfaces).
Additional consideration was given to the possibility that the black dirt midden reported
by Goggin (Florida Master Site Number 8DA0005), had been removed for fill. The
practice of removing the organically rich soil contained in middens for agricultural
purposes is well documented.
The identification number, location, stragatagrapghic profile and soil descriptions were
recorded for each shovel test. In addition, digital photographs were recorded of two
typical profiles exposed by construction activity.
21
Archaeological Survey Results
A total of 38 shovel tests were excavated during the phase I cultural resource assessment
survey. Testing was conducted at roughly 10 -meter intervals. The placement of shovel
tests was modified to coincide with trenches excavated by a back how under the direct
supervision of the project archaeologist. While this often required offsetting the locations
of test sites up to two to three meters, doing so was required by the otherwise
impenetrable fill covering the property. None of the shovel tests contained cultural
material or archaeological features. Furthermore, there were no archaeologic or geologic
indications that a midden had been removed during the historic agricultural period of the
island.
Monitoring Results
During the course of monitoring at the site, three ceramic shreds were located after a
period of heavy rain. Of these shreds, only one was temporally indicative. A St. John's
check stamped sherd measuring approximately 3cm x 3 cm can be dated to roughly A.D.
1200. The remaining two sherds appear to be Glades plain, which is a common pottery
type in the region. All the ceramics were encrusted with light gray fine-grained sand,
similar to the surface layer of fill covering the site. Furthermore, the natural ground
surface had not been disturbed by construction activities where the artifacts were found.
It is therefore likely these pottery fragments represent displaced material.
410.
22
Conclusions and Recommendations
The limited number of artifacts recovered during the survey indicates that the potential
for the recovery of additional important informational from the site is low. Therefore this
site, and the isolated ceramics are not considered to be of local or regional significance,
and are not considered to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places. Further archaeological investigation or preservation of the site is not considered
necessary.
It is recommended that the artifacts recovered during the survey be donated to an
educational institution for conservation and display. One possible institution is the
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Nature Center located on Key Biscayne. This facility would
allow the residents of the Village of Key Biscayne and schoolchildren from across
Miami -Dade County the opportunity to learn about the rich history of Key Biscayne.
23
Artifact Summary
Artifact #1 St. John's Check Stamped ceramic sherd. Measurements 29mm X 21 mm
X 2mm.Located during monitoring, from a fill matrix. Dates to
approximately 1200 A.D. Fractured at time of collection.
Artifact #2 Glades Plain ceramic sherd. Measurements 30mm X 26mm X 4mm.
Located during monitoring, from a fill matrix. Not temporally diagnostic.
Artifact #3 Glades Plain ceramic sherd. Measurements 6mm X 7mm X 3mm.
Located during monitoring, from a fill matrix. Not temporally diagnostic.
410,
Appendix I
24
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27