Crystal River Archeological Park Oil Painting

I had no idea there was an archeological site in Crystal River dating back 14,000 years. The prehistoric inhabitants of this area, the oldest site found in Florida, left six burial and ceremonial mounds as evidence of their occupation which continued until the era of Spanish exploration. The 14-acre site was first excavated during the early years of the 20th century and has been preserved in a beautiful park with a museum housing artifacts from different periods. The park had a wonderful atmosphere of peace as befits an ancient resting place. A park ranger narrated some of this history for me while I painted.