Salamatoto

Come on, say it with me...it's fun to say! SALAMATOTO


This week FPAN staff gave a helping hand to St. Johns County Historic Resource Specialist Robin Moore on his survey of a property along the St. Johns River. The project is of significant because part of the San Diego de Salamatoto Mission once stood on this site.

Some words from the man himself (Robin Moore) on the current survey:

View of property with St. Johns River in back.

Popo Point is in the northwest portion of St. Johns County and sticks out like a thumb into the river. Beginning in 1657, after the Timucuan rebellion of 1656, the Spanish developed San Diego de Salamatoto mission in this region. It became the major river crossing for the Camino Real, the westward route connecting the Florida mission chain, serving this function for 50 years. Picolata, to the south, later was established as the major crossing for the remainder of the First Spanish period.




The exact location of Salamototo was always a question, until recently, when an archaeological survey for the Rivertown (St. Joe Company) development identified a 17th century Spanish site on Popo Point. Archaeologist Bob Johnson subsequently conducted some intensive excavations on the St. Joe property at Popo Point and believes this site to be the Salamatoto location.




The current effort will be a shovel testing survey on property immediately adjacent to the St. Joe property where Mr. Johnson conducted excavations. This land is owned by a single family, not by St. Joe. They intend to build a house on the property. The objective of this survey is to place shovel tests across the property in order to assess if the Salamatoto site extends into the property, and assess to what degree the site contains intact archaeological deposits.



Archies gather 'round the fire- marshmallows & hot dogs.

We headed out early Tuesday, bundled up like the stay puft marshmallow man.  It was cold, but we had the warmth of camaraderie--and an actual fire--to keep us warm.

 

From my own shovel tests I learned the site is very complex.  There are shallow and deep deposits, suggesting some disturbance to the site.  The artifacts ranged from prehistoric rim sherds, early Spanish majolica, later glass and a modern cosmetic jar on the surface.

 

Square shovel test excavated by yours truly and Flagler Alum Jennifer Newton.

 

Prehistoric and Spanish ceramics my (I mean our) unit. 

All the data--including artifacts, maps, and photos--will be taken to the county's archaeology lab to be processed by Courtney Boren.  She will wash, sort, and analyze each artifact.  Along with Robin, they will put together the best interpretation of the site based on the evidence they found, then publish the results.  If I had to guess, I'd say the survey may be featured in one of St. Augustine Archaeology Association's monthly meetings.

Did I mention it was cold?

 
Thanks for the invite Robin and keep up the good work!



Be the first to caption this picture!  Sarah Bennett, volunteer Jim, and site mascot Rosie.

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