On the Rock: The Otter Mound Preserve

After making the turn onto Addison drive, the shell wall terraces of Ernst Otter begin to beckon. Even upon first glance, the stacked rows of conch shells appear to be man made, but a mysterious presence seems to whisper a secret from the past.

Much like an unearthed excavation found antiquated ruins; the winding rows of rising conch shells display an inspired individual’s fascination with the legacy of Marco’s original ancestors.

Only after Hurricane Wilma did members of the Marco Historical Society realize the extent of the Otter mound shell terrace excavations. Many have known about the conch shell wall bordering Addison and Inlet court in the Caxambas community, but few understood the significance and magnitude of a local historical site and the engaged efforts of former Marco Island resident Ernst Otter.

Some time during the years between 1523 and 1529, one of Ponce de Leon’s shipboard pilots sighted the ancient shell mounds that make up the hills of the Caxambas ridge and the highest point in southwest Florida. Rising over 52 feet above sea level, the shell mounds created by the Calusa Indians attracted the offshore conquistadors as a point of interest as the famed Ponce de Leon habitually searched the higher Florida elevations in his quest for the fountain of youth.

According to archeologists, the ancient inhabitants of Marco Island were the Calusa Indians. Marco’s Native Americans were a seafaring tribe and used canoes of all sizes to obtain the fish and shell fish that sustained their lives. After hundreds of years of harvesting shellfish, the empty conch shells of the Calusa Indians began to accumulate.

Many years after the Spanish explorations, the Colliers, Barfields, and the Roberts families arrived and settled the three villages of Marco Island.

Considered to be three separate burgs in the late 1800’s, Caxambas, Goodland Point, and Marco were illustrated on the nautical charts and represented the island the Spanish had named so many years before as Isla de San Marcos or Island of St. Mark.

A glimpse into the past is now possible for visitors and modern Marco residents with the opening of the Otter Mound Preserve. Members of the Marco Island Historical Society are enthusiastic about the recently opened historical site that is proudly maintained and cared for by Conservation Collier and a team of devoted volunteers.

The Otter mound preserve property has been in the Barfield family for over 90 years. Before contacting members of the Marco Historical Society four separate houses were intended for the Otter mound site but after realizing the rich history and archeological value of the old Caxambas community, the development plans were changed with the aid of Conservation Collier.

After Hurricane Wilma, and during the clearing and establishment of the Otter Mound paths and walkways, indigenous plantings sites were selected and on every selected digging location, archeologists made excavations and found either old Indian artifacts or relics from 1800’s life in Caxambas.

Although many have an opinion about the conch-shell terrace-walls that bisect the boundaries of newly opened Otter Mound preserve, the fact that Ernest Otter was driven by his ambitious efforts is undeniable.

One theory states that the terrace walls once reached all the way to the Ideal Fish Camp (situated on and accessible to Caxambas pass) and was a sluiceway for tidal waters to bring fish into the Caxambas community. Another claim is that Otter only rebuilt Native American fish trap canals that had been abandoned for centuries. Another notion is steadfast in believing that the shell wall terraces were functional in holding Marco’s sandy loam in place for Mr. Otter’s vegetable and flower gardens.

No matter which version of the shell-wall history appeals, the Otter Mound Preserve is definitely a great destination for a change of season bike ride or an adventure destination for a glimpse into Marco’s past.

With the first noticeable cool weather typically arriving around early November, why not dust off the bicycle or dig out the walking shoes and discover a new adventure in our own back yard.

The Otter Mound Preserve is located on Addison Dr. and Inlet Court on our very own Marco Island. Explore and experience; a bike ride through the Caxambas community in November is wonderful!

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Tom Williams is a sailboat charter captain working at the Marriott for more than 27 years. Williams lives on Marco Island and is available at capttom@marcoislandtoday.com.