Byrd Hammock

In May 2015, the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge received a 160-acre gift that protects a major archeological site, Byrd Hammock, and expanded the Refuge’s wetlands and forest. It officially became part of the Refuge in December 2015 and the transfer was honored in 2016 by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation as an “Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation.” A plaque commemorating this generous donation was installed in March 2016. 

The Rev. Lila Byrd Brown and her sister are glad for the Byrd Tract to be returned to the people, since it came from the people as a land grant to their ancestor, Robert Byrd, in 1858.  

Dr. Mike Russo, from the Southeast Archeological Center, says that Byrd Hammock is among the most important of our nation’s prehistoric sites. People lived there during two Woodland Period cultures, between 100 and 1,000 AD.  It became a National Historic Place in 1972 and is in the process of being nominated for elevation to National Historic Landmark. 

Byrd Hammock is unique in terms of its significance, size, scope, and accessibility for developing an archaeological park that can interpret the fascinating cultural changes that took place during the Woodland Period in Northwest Florida. Plans for the site have been developed with our partner, the National Park Service’s Southeast Archeological Center, and efforts have begun to obtain funding. This multi-partner interpretive project will help bring this significant site to life for school groups and the public in general, and showcase its important contribution to our cultural heritage.