Flowing over 100 miles from the northern state line to the Gulf of Mexico meanders one of the most important waterways in Florida’s history: the Apalachicola River.

The Apalachicola River basin within Florida covers more area than the state of Connecticut and it is home to diverse plant and animal life.

People have chosen to live in this abundant area of natural resources for quite some time.

Archaeological discoveries along the banks, bluffs and floodplains of the river demonstrate that through the millennia the Apalachicola has played a significant role in the enterprises of Floridians. At one time or another, Florida’s diverse cultural groups have used it as a mode of transportation, highway to trade, and as a means to wage wars.

Artifacts found along the river have included rare objects of metal and stone—symbols of religious significance – from ancient Native American mounds. Also found are boilers from sunken steamships, and discarded fuses from Confederate cannon emplacements.

Written, narrated, and produced by the University of West Florida, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and WUWF Public Media.