When Spanish forces invaded Florida early in the 16th century, they left behind an abundance of shiny objects and a trail of death; especially in Florida’s big bend.

Two huge Spanish expeditions led by Narváez in 1528 and Soto in 1539 landed on the shores of Tampa Bay and charged north to explore and conquer. While, the Spanish metal and glass items were intriguing to the natives, their invisible germs and viruses were deadly.

The Tatham Mound in Citrus County reflects this clash of cultures. In the upper layers of a sand burial mound, 90 people were found in a mass grave, along with glass and metal objects of Spanish origin. Archaeologists point to the presence of Spanish artifacts as a clue that these massive deaths were caused by an epidemic of European diseases caught from the Spanish invaders. Several bones had sword wounds as well.

The Tatham Mound bears silent testimony to the fact that Florida Indians were the first to suffer the devastating effects of the Spanish invasion of North America.