Lake Ashby Midden

Lake Ashby Midden

The Lake Ashby site is a freshwater snail midden at an inland lake between New Smyrna Beach (on the coast) and Enterprise (on the St. Johns River). While there are undoubtedly other inland lake sites in Volusia County, the Lake Ashby midden is one of a few actually known here.

The center of this mound has been destroyed by a dirt road running the length of the site, but intact portions remain to the north and south. The road cut allows us to see a profile of the freshwater shell midden, with its dense mass of snail remains.

The Lake Ashby site raises interesting questions about prehistoric settlement in Volusia County during the St. Johns period. People may have lived here seasonally, but the area had enough snails, mussels, fish, game, and edible plants to support large groups throughout the year. Did population pressures along the St. Johns River cause a migration to freshwater sites like this one? Further archaeological work may tell.

Directions:
Located in the Lake Ashby County Park. Take S.R. 415 to Lake Ashby Road; follow it and turn onto Boy Scout Camp Road. Travel about 1 mile to Lake Ashby Park. The entrance is on the right (south). Park in the lot and follow the trail to the mound.