Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Philippe Park (and Temple Mound) RDF-21




Philippe Park                                                                                                                           Site # 6229
2525 Philippe Pkwy.   Safety Harbor, FL 34695                                                               Pinellas County

A Tocobaga Indian Temple mound listed in the National Register of Historic Landmarks and majestic shade trees welcome visitors at the oldest park in Pinellas County.



 Take in the view of Old Tampa Bay while strolling along a one-mile shoreline, some of it on an elevated concrete promenade.



 Enjoy picnicking, fishing and historical points of interest. This historically rich park bears the name of Count Odet Philippe who introduced citrus culture to Florida. The existing park property was part of the original Philippe plantation from which several citrus trees still remain.   




The Safety Harbor culture was an archaeological culture practiced by Native Americans living on the central Gulf coast of the Florida peninsula, from about 900 until after 1700. The culture is named after this location which is called the” Safety Harbor Site”, which is the center of the culture area. The park holds the Temple Mound of the Chief of the Tocobaga Tribe. 


The Safety Harbor culture developed in-place from the Weeden Island-related cultures of the central Florida Gulf coast. This site was visited by Spanish explorers and possibly the Desoto Expedition. 








(Also see Safety Harbor Museum Site #6242 and Weedon Island Site #6239 )



No comments:

Post a Comment