Subsistence

Hunting, fishing and gathering wild herbs and plants was common to all regions. Only in the northern part of the state did agriculture take on an important role. The superior soils of northwestern Florida allowed the Apalachee to grow more abundant and varied crops than anywhere else in the state. This resource made it possible to sustain larger populations, larger towns, and more complex social and political institutions.

Fields were cleared by cutting down the trees and burning the brush. Both men and women prepared the soil, tilling with hoes made of bone or shell. Women used planting sticks to sow the seeds. The crops were watched over and protected by children and the elders. Florida's sub-tropical climate allowed two growing seasons in most years. Three main crops were cultivated by the native people; they were maize (corn), beans, and squash (squash includes gourds and pumpkins). These were known as the 'Three Sisters" because they are so compatible when grown together. Other cultivated (or highly encouraged to grow) plants were sunflowers, wild garlic, wild onion, citrons and melons. For more detailed information on what the Native Peoples hunted and gathered, please see Native Foods in the Teachers Only section of this site.