Overview

Hype:

The Safety Harbor Site is an archaeological site in Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, Florida. It is the type site for the Safety Harbor culture, and includes the largest remaining mound in the Tampa Bay area. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The site consists of the large temple mound, one smaller burial mound and two shell middens. The temple mound is roughly circular, 150 feet in diameter and 20 feet in height, with a summit plateau measuring about 100 by 50 feet. It is built out of a series layers, alternating shells and sand. Archaeologists have uncovered features interpreted as post holes in the summit area, suggestive that a structure once stood there, either a residence or temple structure. There are also layers of clay, which are thought to represent levels that may have also been used in some way. The site is open to visitors during the daylight hours. In addition to the mounds, the park has walking paths, picnic areas, a boat ramp, fishing, and scenic views. The Safety Harbor Site is the probable location of the chief town of the Tocobaga, the best known of the groups practicing the Safety Harbor culture. The term "temple mound" is based on the description by members of the de Soto expedition of a temple on a constructed earthwork mound in a Safety Harbor village. The temples were likely charnel houses, where bodies were prepared and stored for later burial.

Time:

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

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Jun

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Aug

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Oct

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Dec

Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_Harbor_Site

Getting There

Navigate to 28.008953, -82.677461.

Location

Closest City or Region: Philippe Park, Safety Harbor, Florida

Coordinates: 28.008953, -82.677461

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Brochure

August 6, 2021 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Melissa Kirkham, Shaun Kirkham, Jacob Kirkham, Kylie Kirkham, Kate Kirkham, Leah Kirkham,

Story

We stopped at Philippe Park and visited the Tocobaga Temple Mound on our way to Clearwater Beach from Kissimmee. Kylie and the younger kids played on the playground while Jacob and the adults walked up and around the mound.

Pictures