Green Mound

Once standing over 50 feet high, this well-hidden shell mound is one of the nation's largest. From the top, visitors get views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and--in the opposite direction--of estuaries that provided food for prehistoric inhabitants. Green Mound itself consists mainly of discarded oyster shells from rich beds in the surrounding lagoons.

Archaeological evidence indicates that this mound was used during the late-St. Johns period, after A.D. 800. The overall site contains layered floors of clay, sand, and ash from daily living; and the discovery of fire pits, post holes, and accumulated debris suggests that people had structures here as well.

Directions:
On Peninsula Drive in the city of Ponce Inlet. From U.S. 1 (South Ridgeway Avenue) in the city of Port Orange, take Dunlawton Avenue (S.R. 421) over the intracoastal waterway to A1A (Atlantic Avenue); go south on A1A 2.5 miles to Old Carriage Road in the city of Ponce Inlet; take Old Carriage Road to Peninsula Drive; then turn left (south) on Peninsula, proceed .2 miles, and look for mound on left (east). It is a state historic site with no admission fee.