Brevard and Indian River County

Brevard County

An archaeology dig at Windover Farms has found human remains in a mucky bog, with preserved brains that are 8,000 years old. The bodies were placed in an environment where there is no oxygen to decompose the bodies. Scientists have been able to collect DNA samples of these early Floridians for further study. They also found pottery shards here that are the oldest found in North America. Pieces of fabric examined are also the oldest examples found in the continent, and are made of a very complex and tight weave. After more study of the area, it may become an archaeology park.  The most curious part about it is that after doing study of the DNA, the identity of the people or where they came from is still a mystery.  The DNA does not match any other people on earth. William Bartram traveled through this area and stayed at Boxter Mound in 1776. Fort Ann was established during the Second Seminole War at the Indian River crossing. Many settlers gathered around the fort and later formed the town of Titusville. General Hernandez's camp, known as Camp Hernandez, was along the Indian River.

Indian River County

When the Spanish first arrived in this area, simple Ais Indians lived on the coast and fished for most of their food. During the winter, they would go further inland. They left a few middens around the area, but nothing that you can visit today. Fort Vinton was established in the Second Seminole War and shortly reactivated in 1850.

HISTORIC QUOTE:

"As this was a time of truce, the Seminoles were constantly coming into our camp, and mingling in friendly intercourse with Paddy Carr's band of Creeks. [Who were Indian scouts for the Army.] Coa-coo-che' alias Wild-Cat was a constant visitor of my tent; and ever since he got drunk there one afternoon on superfine port-wine, I found it difficult to keep him away. Whiskey is the "summum bonum" of Indian felicity; by Coacooche having once tasted my port, declared it very fine medicine; and discarded all attempts to get his drunk on the meaner beverage; no doubt supposing it more consistent with his dignity as a King's son to be aristocratic in his tastes."

Coacoochee (Wildcat) by John T. Sprague.

"There were frequent ball-plays between the Creeks and Seminoles; and among the former alone. Back of our camp there was a wide level plain, the scene of these exercises; where several hundred Indians might every day have been seen, quite naked, enjoying their favourite amusement."

An eyewitness account of the Second Seminole War by Dr. J.R. Motte in "Journey Into Wilderness."
 

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© 1998, 2002, 2007 Chris Kimball
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