Native Americans inhabited the peninsula now known as Florida 14,000 years ago. Recorded “modern” history begins with the European arrival started by Juan Ponce de León in 1513 while seeking the Fountain of Youth. Spanish and French settlements comingled with Indian cultures for several hundred years before colonial rule by Spain and Great Britain. Following a period as a US territory, Florida became the 27th State of the United States of America in 1845.

The history of Florida and the time leading up to the turn of the 21st Century had a profound impact on the establishment of Lake Okeechobee Outpost. From the early origins of the native mound builders to the search for the Fountain of Youth, current archeological finds dating back to the mid 1800’s have been uncovered. Lake Okeechobee Outpost will serve as a launching point for modern explorers, a living museum if you will, for a treasure chest of history, riches and possibly eternal life.

Join us as discoveries from the Ais, Caloosahatchee, Jaega, Mayaimi, Calusa, Tequesta and Tocobago Tribes are unearthed at 33 active archeological sites. Pottery shards, flints, crafted stone pendants and arrowheads found on historic mounds and other shallows during the low water marks in recent years. Archeologists, historians and local residents such as Boots Boyer are adding to the legend of Lake Okeechobee and her former residents.

As night begins to overtake another glorious Florida day, and your family and friends are sharing stories at the Lake Okeechobee Outpost Tiki Bar, let us remind you that the sunsets aren’t the only reason for the golden hue upon Lake Okeechobee. Sit back and as the campfire takes hold let me share a piece of history passed along for generations by Spanish settlers and Calusa tribesmen.

The Calusa Indians

A Spanish galleon carrying precious cargo was seized inside what is now known as the Jupiter Inlet by the Calusa Indians. The treasure along with the Captain were transported back to the shores of Lake Okeechobee. Over the next twenty years the Captain created primitive maps of his location as well as that of the confiscated treasure.

Amazingly the Captain’s father never gave up hope, and following several voyages from Spain to Florida, he found his son along the Atlantic Ocean where he had escaped. After a period of recovery, the Captain returned to Florida where he intended to seize the lost treasure. The mission ends in tragedy, however, as the Captain falls victim to a hurricane and dies near Lake Okeechobee.

The location of the Spanish treasure has never been confirmed. Lore has battered remnants of the Captain’s maps trading hands from settlers to native Indians for hundreds of years. What is known is that the legend of James Buchingham Smith and his “treasure map” appear to match descriptions and topography of what is now known as Kreamer Island and the underwater humps just outside the Lake Okeechobee Outpost marina basin.

We hope you enjoy your visit to Lake Okeechobee Outpost and catch a big one at one of the country’s most productive and famous fishing holes. Your “keeper” might be worth its weight in gold if you know the right spot to fish.

A golden sunset and a golden treasure await if you can put the pieces together.