(2009) Enlarge John L. McKinnon Civil War letter
  
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(2009) Enlarge Indian burial mound

(2009) Enlarge Bricks from Fort Pickens and Fort McRee

(2009) Enlarge Mountain howitzer

(2009) Enlarge Dog Burial With Food & Water Bowls: The remains of this dog were excavated from the mound. The burial of a dog (ca. 500 A.D.) - The Indians had many uses for the dog: 1. Source of sinew, food, hide, etc.: This dog was not used for food. We know this because the delicate body parts (normally lost during butchering) were present. This indicates that the dog was buried in the flesh. 2. Work animals: The horse was unknown to the Indians and they often used dogs to carry their burdens. This dog was not a worker. He is less than one year old and shows none of the muscle wear associated with heavy work. 3. Pets: The dog was among the first animals domesticated by man. This dog was buried with ritual and ceremony. A bowl for food and a jar for water were placed in the grave and indicate that great attention was paid to this dog's passing

Note: Although this mound was used as a fortification during the Civil War, I thought I would add one photo from the museum to represent the original purpose of the mound. This mound is beautifully preserved and is one of the last remaining mounds built near the shore lines in Fort Walton Beach. Visitors used to be able to walk on the mound but it has been protected in recent years and a main stairway and observation deck have been built going to the top of the mound to prevent visitors from walking on the mound.