Turtle Mound National Historic Site

Turtle Mound National Historic Site is on the US National Register of Historic Places in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. It is nine miles from downtown. The mound was added to the register by 1970 in order to protect the archeological site. It is considered the largest shell midden in the US on any mainland. It has a height of 50 feet and is estimated at 75 feet high before mining reduced it by 25 feet during the 19th and 20th centuries. The mound has 33,000 cubic yards of oyster shells. These shells are believed to date to the Timucuan people.

Archeologists have spent years studying the site. They believe the mound was used as a refuge during hurricanes given its height above other Florida land areas. Bows, spears, snares, and arrows have all been found on the mound. There are also mammals and reptiles that have been left behind. The mound was once used as a landmark for the Spanish. Today it is managed by the National Park Service as part of Canaveral National Seashore. Turtle Mound surveys have confirmed the presence of Sea Torchwood and other native Florida plants that are harder to find today.