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Photo: State of Florida, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The key was the capital of the Calusa realm across Southern Florida in the 16th century when Spanish colonization of Florida began. Spain's attempt at colonizing Mound Key in the mid-16th century was unsuccessful and ultimately abandoned in favor of St. Augustine, but the key can still be visited today, where the pile of discarded shells and archaeological digs mark the site of pre-Columbian civilization.
Mound Key Archaeological State Park is a Florida State Park, located in Estero Bay, near the mouth of the Estero River. One hundred and thirteen of the island's one hundred and twenty-five acres are managed by the park system. It is a complex of mounds and accumulated shell, fish bone, and pottery middens that rises more than 30 feet above the waters of the bay.
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Cyrus Teed, creator of the religion of 'Koreshanity' founded his 'New Jerusalem' community here. Various structures, many over a century old, are still preserved.
A dolphin cruise with them is excellent. They have biologists on board and are laid back and fun. Free parking on site.
Friendly fishing charters.