LIVING HISTORY
contains human remains and that archaeological evidence
indicates that it was the centerpiece of an Ais Indian culture
500 to 1,000 years ago. The Ais, whose main town was
north of the Old St. Lucie Inlet in present-day Indian River
County, were the native peoples of Florida. They became
extinct with the arrival of the Europeans in the 1600s.
“It’s a very, very well-preserved burial mound, and what’s
amazing is that the site has actually survived,” said Robert
Carr, executive director of the Archeological and Historical
Conservancy, which conducted the 2003 survey of the park
for the city, which leases the park from St. Lucie County.
Carr’s report raised the possibility that the mound was
used by the army as a watchtower, because of an 1881
description of the property:
Two miles south from Bell’s is the old parade ground at Fort
Pierce some of the earthworks of which are yet visible, extending
quite a distance back to where was a watch tower commanding
an extensive view of the river. Here is a fine spring of water
bursting out from under the river bank.
“What is important about this description is that it provides
some insight to the park parcel relative to the fort,
specifically identifying it as the parade ground,” Carr’s
report said. “The description of the watchtower in the area
opens up the possibility that the tower may have been
located on the sand mound.”
Journals from the men stationed at Fort Pierce describe troops
salvaging ancient beads, pottery and other artifacts during times
of boredom. Spent ammunition found at the south end of the
mound indicate that, in addition to a watchtower, it might have
been used as a backstop for target practice by the soldiers.
Steps now provide easy access to the top of the Indian Mound at Old Fort
Park. A 2003archaeological survey confirmed that the mound contains
human remains, and the archaeologist writing the report said that it’s likely
the mound was used as a watchtower during the days that Fort Pierce
served as a military outpost during the Second Seminole War. >>
29
Integrity & Financial Responsibility Since 1905
FEE, DeROSS & FEE, P.L.
At tor n e y s a t l aw
An affi liation of professional associations
serving the Treasure Coast since 1905
FEE & FEE, P.A.
Frank H. Fee III • Frank H. Fee IV
772.461.5020
JOSEPH J. DeROSS Jr., P.A.
Joseph J. DeRoss Jr.
772.465.3500
500 Virginia Avenue, Suite 200
F O R T P I E R C E F L O R I D A
FRED FEE (1888-1939) • FRANK FEE (1913-1983)