Miami's Ancient History

Miami's Ancient History

Present-day Miamians have always been aware of the Native American roots planted here long before the arrival of Spanish explorers -- after all, the city's name is believed to be the word for "sweet water" in an indeterminate Native American tongue. But there is little visible evidence of the activities of its first people, the Tequesta. It wasn't until 1998, with the discovery of a unique archaeological find -- a mysterious 38-foot ring of stone dubbed the Miami Circle -- that the community decided its prehistoric past just might be worth preserving.

At a routine dig at the mouth of the Miami River, the site of a new condo project, archaeologists discovered a series of basins cut into limestone bedrock in a perfect circular pattern when viewed from above. The circle contained postholes, a carving that resembled an eye, and other artifacts, including charcoal samples carbon-dated to AD 100. The circle's east-west axis suggests that it may have been an astronomical tool to signal the summer and winter solstice or a Tequesta temple or council house.

The state and county acquired the site and are planning how best to preserve this fascinating relic for future generations, who may discover the Miami Circle's yet-unknown purpose.