After a short day of screening, I accompanied the archaeologist Bruce Piatek to the Old Fort Park in New Smyrna Beach. A far as what type of information was present at the site, well to be truthful, there was none at all. No pamphlets, no plaques or boards stating the history of the site, and no one to talk to about any questions we may have had, and I had plenty.
As far as first impressions, it was evident that this site may have been a part of the Turnbulll Colony, and the theory was that this foundation was the site of his palace overlooking the water. I for one don't believe this theory. It was clearly not used as church, which is another theory, because it does seem there was sections designated for weapons or possibly a lookout area. Also, the walls of the structure are much to thick, as if they were protecting or storing something.
There are no doorways to move from room to room, although after construction of an outer wall was completed during the Great Depression, I can see some new additions blocking off any openings there may have been on the east side. There was also bastion constructed at the same time, which leads me to believe that this may have been a fort.
It really is a mystery, and when I noticed the thick concrete running down the center, I ventured a guess that it may have been used to construct ships.
No further research has been done on this site, as I'm sure, the community believes it's not economically feasible to do so. Although, if the walls were taken down and the site was visible to to traffic, I think it would gain more interest due to the theories surrounding its construction.
One archaeologist believes that this was the original Castillo De San Marco, but no evidence til now has supported his theory.
In 1776, it was suggested that a very large stone building was erected in the vicinity of New Smryna that was built as a "mansion house," but the true function of these ruins is unknown to historians and archaeologists.
This is what we do know:
So what does this look like to you? I would love to hear some of your suggestions, ideas, theories, and questions.
As far as first impressions, it was evident that this site may have been a part of the Turnbulll Colony, and the theory was that this foundation was the site of his palace overlooking the water. I for one don't believe this theory. It was clearly not used as church, which is another theory, because it does seem there was sections designated for weapons or possibly a lookout area. Also, the walls of the structure are much to thick, as if they were protecting or storing something.
There are no doorways to move from room to room, although after construction of an outer wall was completed during the Great Depression, I can see some new additions blocking off any openings there may have been on the east side. There was also bastion constructed at the same time, which leads me to believe that this may have been a fort.
It really is a mystery, and when I noticed the thick concrete running down the center, I ventured a guess that it may have been used to construct ships.
No further research has been done on this site, as I'm sure, the community believes it's not economically feasible to do so. Although, if the walls were taken down and the site was visible to to traffic, I think it would gain more interest due to the theories surrounding its construction.
One archaeologist believes that this was the original Castillo De San Marco, but no evidence til now has supported his theory.
In 1776, it was suggested that a very large stone building was erected in the vicinity of New Smryna that was built as a "mansion house," but the true function of these ruins is unknown to historians and archaeologists.
This is what we do know:
The Old Fort Park Archeological Site is a historic site in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States. On July 10, 2008, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
This property is part of the Archeological Resources of the 18th-Century Smyrnea Settlement of Dr. Andrew Turnbull Multiple Property Submission, a Multiple Property Submission to the National Register.
So what does this look like to you? I would love to hear some of your suggestions, ideas, theories, and questions.
4 Comments:
cool thanks for sharing this.
Looks like the foundation of some type of building ...what type who knows . But I do know
that ancient builders did not use mortar ..just megalithic stones....so it is probably 200 300 years old at best
Michael M ,
amateur Giant Hunter
Dear Mr. Michael M., I would respectfully like to refute your claim about 'mortar' not being used. i.e. Were the pyramids built from the top down?
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The basic evidence for this comes from carbon dating the mortar used on the Great Pyramid. Not only is the mortar from nearer the top older, but by as much as 1000 years. So, not only was it built from the top down, it took 1000 years to do it, as well.
Obviously, there's something wrong with this.
World Mysteries - Mystic Places - The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt
http://historum.com/ancient-history/37392-were-pyramids-built-top-down.html
or this one...
The mortar used is of an unknown origin. It has been analyzed and it's chemical composition is known but it can't be reproduced. It is stronger than the stone and still holding up today. http://www.crystalinks.com/gpstats.html
I grew up in new Smyrna beach and when I was a kid ( I'm 40 years old) it was called the Indian fort they changed the sign a few times and renamed it why I have no idea, anyways I was told the top was burned down the bottom ( what's left) is where they use to store food and those notches is where they would look out and fight from the top. It was burned down by the white settler who came in. That what I was told, but now I know for a fact!
That area they covered by cement was a door! It has stair that go down and around and ran under cancel street! I know this for a fact because I been in and down and out the other side of the Main Street ( cancel street). They torn it all up and blocked the door when I was 12 years old! I was so upset cause the history was just lost now! I cried I love this place it my favorite spot when I go home it such a same to see the story changes about 5 times and now it just not being taken care of it use to be so beautiful! This place is the reason I even got I to history and still today love it so much!
Born in 74 watch them year up cancel street in 86 :(
Hope this help those who seek the truth!
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