The park was first dedicated in 1940 as a bird sanctuary. In 1958, during Pompano Beach's Golden Jubilee, the park was rededicated as Indian Mound Park.
In the 1930s and 40s, many professional and amateur archaeological investigations took place here. Through these investigations, archaeologists determined that the mound was constructed around the year 1300 AD as a place for ceremonial burials. It is thought that the builders of the mound were ancestors of a tribe known as the Tequesta Indians.
Historical Museum of Southern Florida
The Tequesta built the mound by carrying baskets of sand from the beach back to this site. Before burial, the bodies of the Tequesta dead were taken to a special house and allowed to decompose. The bones were then cleaned, bundled together, and taken to the mound to be buried.
The mound is about 16 feet high. A walking path winds through the park and up to the very top of the mound, allowing you to stand where the Tequesta did nearly a thousand years ago.
While you walk the paths, you'll notice there are signs set up that tell you about the Tequesta and the mound.
The park is still a place for birdlovers, with feeders and birdbaths set up to encourage the birds to stay and sing a while.
Benches by the Intracoastal allow you to take in the view of the water.
Leave your car at Indian Mound Park, where parking is free, and take a short 5-minute walk to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach access is quite picturesque!
Photography by:
Jillian Krickovich & Rob Freund
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