The Miami Circle: Case Study in Grassroots Preservation

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Excavations at the Miami Circle, Brickell Point Site.

Photo Credit: Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research

Discovered in the process of preparing land for new high rises, The Miami Circle is now being developed into a public park and preserve.

The Miami Circle at Brickell Point, in the heart of downtown Miami, was discovered in 1998 during archaeological investigations conducted in preparation for development of two high-rise towers on the Brickell Point site.

Carved into the soft limestone around 2,000 years ago, the Miami Circle likely represents the foundation of an ancient building or open-air enclosure that was part of a Native American village at the mouth of the Miami River.

Because of the Miami Circle, many have learned a great deal about Native American history.

The threat of the Miami Circle’s destruction by development attracted the attention of archaeologists, Native Americans and preservation-minded citizens. Because of the Miami Circle, many have learned a great deal about Native American history and now recognize that cooperation is needed to understand and preserve that legacy.

Strong public pressure to preserve the archaeological site prompted the Florida Governor and Cabinet and Miami-Dade County to acquire the 2.2-acre parcel for $26.7 million. The Miami Circle is currently being developed as a public park and preserve.

For more information, visit www.miamicirclesite.com.