San Luis Archaeological and Historic Site

San Luis Archaeological and Historic Site Review

Long before New England's residents began gaining a foothold in America, the native Apalachee Indians as well as Spanish missionaries settled here. On the site of a 17th-century Spanish mission and Apalachee Indian town sites, this museum focuses on the archaeology of the late 1600s, when the Apalachee village here had a population of at least 1,400. By 1704, however, threatened by Creek Indians and British forces, the locals burned the village and fled. About once a year, researchers will conduct digs and then spend the rest of the year analyzing their findings. If you're here when they are, you can watch them dig, although chances are you'll have to be content with roaming around the re-creation of a 17th-century Spanish village and speaking with the living-history guides who will offer tours if you call in advance. Even without the sight of researchers digging for clues, this is still a cool experience and a great way to learn about Florida's impressive history. A 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art visitor center opened in late 2009, and offers an expanded exhibit hall and gift shop.