Alameda Shellmounds Map
Indigenous-led research achieves the first, and most comprehensive, interactive map about Alameda Native American History, to date.
Native American researcher examines the work of two well-known historians, N.C. Nelson, and Imelda Merlin; and examines them using historical newspapers, city records, and other sources.
100% Indigenous
Researched in Alameda, California, by a Native American adoptee, born and raised in Alameda.
100% Independent
No compromises have been made to present evidence-back information.
100% Native Pride
Created to answer the questions Alameda’s White Historians would not.
Components of the Alameda Shellmounds Map
01. NELSON SHELLMOUNDS
Of the 425 Shellmounds N.C. Nelson observed during his 1907/1908 Survey, about 315 were marked as being “present”–or, observed by Nelson, himself.
4 of these shellmounds were marked within what is now known as the City of Alameda.
02. IMELDA MERLIN SHELLMOUNDS
In Imelda Merlin’s published Geology Master’s Thesis, entitled “Alameda: A Geological History”, Merlin included a map of Live Oaks, which also showed 6 “Indian Mounds”, represented by hand-drawn black dots.
03. HISTORICAL RECORDS
In an effort to investigate why the Shellmounds noted by Nelson, and those by Merlin, were so different, local Historical Newspapers and City of Alameda Historical Records were consulted, to corroborate the existence of any shellmounds in Alameda.
04. BASE GEOGRAPHICAL + MOUND
A “not-laser-accurate” representation of the Alameda shoreline in 1908. This layer is an artifact from the very first Alameda Shellmound Map, which was made using Google Maps.
Components of the Alameda Shellmounds Map
05. REMAINS & RELICS FOUND
These locations are being aggregated to make the case for specific boundaries of areas which should be declared “Sacred Sites”, but which remain unrecognized, and unprotected.
06. GHOSTS & TREASURE
Interesting stories of ghost seen around the Alameda Shellmound, and Bay Farm Bridge.
Curious observations on “buried Spanish treasure” in Alameda.
07. PRESENT DAY MONUMENTS
The locations, and some information about, plaques and public art dedicated to, or depicting the First Alamedans.
08. HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Historic Alameda Bridge locations, mostly rail-bridges for national and local, narrow gauge, traffic.
For reference, and intrigue.
09. REMAINS USED AS PAVEMENT
Native American bodies weren’t only used to pave Bay Farm Road. They were used in the famous Alameda Gardens, which you can still tour today. And as cement for the sidewalk in front of Alameda’s Oldest Home.
Other Map Symbols
Not every layer of the Alameda Shellmounds Map uses the same symbols for map “points”. These are some alternate symbols used in the map, and their meanings.
Stone mortars, pestles found.
“The Haunted Tree”
Stories about a treasure chest.
Public Art installation.
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Alameda Native History Project