For thousands of years, Florida’s history was shaped by Native Americans. From rich political societies to hunter-gatherer tribes, the Native people of Florida were as diverse as the environments in which they thrived.

Do you ever think about what’s under your feet? Archaeologists do! Most of what we know about Florida’s long inhabitation by Native Americans comes from the work of archaeologists who carefully uncover buried or hidden artifacts. Florida State Parks protect this archaic evidence and tell the story of the state’s past.