Crystal River Archaeological Zone – Citrus County, Florida
The Crystal River Archaeological Zone, located within Crystal River Preserve State Park in Florida, is a National Historic Landmark spread across 61.55 acres. It contains six mounds and has been one of the longest continually occupied Native American sites in Florida, with habitation lasting for at least 1,900 years. The area served as a major trade route before European involvement and now reveals significant historical artifacts from various Native American cultural periods. Despite minimal reliance on agriculture due to poor soil conditions, the occupants primarily subsisted on fishing and gathering. The complex includes burial mounds and platform mounds used for ceremonies or residences of priests, indicating a rich cultural and religious history. Notably, it also acted as a regional mortuary complex, where rituals and burials took place, drawing thousands annually. The site also features a unique garbage midden and several crudely carved stone monuments, offering insights into the diet and artistic expression of its inhabitants. Over time, there have been theories linking the architecture at Crystal River to Mayan or other Mesoamerican cultures, although these remain speculative.