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Gallery: Arch Creek Historic Site

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Historic Marker. "Arch Creek. Until 1973, when it collapsed, the forty foot natural bridge of oolitic limestone that spanned Arch Creek was one of South Florida's earliest landmarks. Prehistoric Indians occupied this site hundreds of years before European explorations. In the early 1800s, Seminole Indians lived in the area until forced out by United States soldiers during the Second (1836-42) Seminole War. During the Third (1855-59) Seminole War a military trail connecting Ft. Dallas and Ft. Lauderdale passed over the bridge. In 1892 the first county road to South Florida crossed here, as did the Dixie Highway, which opened in 1915. In the past, this natural bridge has attracted both tourists and settlers. A community known as Arch Creek grew up around the Arch Creek station of the Florida East Coast Railroad. By 1903 there were sufficient settlers to warrant the opening of the Arch Creek Post Office, which later became the North Miami Post Office."

Today, a replica of the original Arch Creek natural bridge has been constructed on the site of the collapsed original bridge.

Arch Creek is now a Miami-Dade County park.

During the twentieth century, the Arch Creek site was altered to suit the needs of a trailer park and used car lot.

A close look at the ground will reveal signs of earlier Native American habitation at Arch Creek

Many shells can be found in this area.

Shell on the ground at the Arch Creek historic site.

Shell on the ground at the Arch Creek historic site.

 

 

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