Cerrato, Cynthia L., December 1994 - DAVENPORT: A PREHISTORIC VILLAGE AND MOUND SITE IN THE OCALA NATIONAL FOREST Abstract: In October of 1992, archaeological investigations were conducted at Davenport, a bluff on the southern shore of the Ocklawaha River in the Ocala National Forest. The first investigation was of the bluff itself. The second investigation was of an earthwork located on the bluff. This earthwork was believed to be the remains of a burial mound excavated by C. B. Moore in the 1890s. Previous archaeological research yielded prehistoric artifacts from the bluff and the mound. Additionally, local legend contended that the bluff was utilized as a Civil War encampment and the earthwork was a cannon pit. The objectives of this project were: 1) to delineate the site boundaries; 2) to determine the site's time period, function and significance in American prehistory; 3) to ascertain or refute the Civil War legend. The results indicate that Davenport bluff was utilized by prehistory people on a respectably continuous basis from the Late Archaic period to the St. Johns 11 period. Site function changed through time from that of a small temporary camp to a permanent semi-permanent village. The investigation revealed that the earthwork was Moore's Davenport mound. Although the human remains are fragmentary and very poorly preserved, at least five individuals can be distinguished from the dental analysis. Exotic and non-local artifacts indicate trade and contact with other Southeastern prehistoric groups. Only three historic artifacts, circa late nineteenth century/early twentieth century, were recovered during the investigation. The lack of middle nineteenth century artifacts found on Davenport bluff demonstrates that the Civil War legend is most likely just a legend. .