Researchers from the University of Central Florida's Cape Canaveral Archaeological Mitigation Project (CCAMP) have uncovered evidence of ancient Indigenous life near the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The discovery was made during routine archaeological surveys required before construction activities on the spaceport grounds.
The findings include artifacts such as pottery shards and stone tools, indicating human occupation dating back thousands of years. The site is part of a region known for its rich Indigenous history, with previous discoveries of shell middens and burial mounds along Florida's Atlantic coast.
CCAMP, led by UCF anthropologist Dr. Sarah Barber, aims to document and preserve archaeological resources on Cape Canaveral property. The project collaborates with the U.S. Space Force to ensure compliance with federal historic preservation laws.
Further analysis of the artifacts is ongoing, with researchers hoping to determine the specific time period and cultural affiliation of the site. The discovery highlights the long history of human presence in the area, long before the space age.
