Jun 24 2010
Historical Marker: Riverhills Park
Riverhills Park is one of Hillsborough County’s gem parks. Located in Temple Terrace, this park lies along the north side of the Hillsborough River. There a historical marker commemorates the Spanish exploration of the immediate area.
(text of marker follows image)
SPANISH EXPLORATION OF TEMPLE TERRACE
April 25 & 26, 1757
On April 25, 1757, as they explored the Hillsborough River (Rio De San Julian Y Artiaga) and searched for pine trees for ship masts, Don Francisco Maria Celi, Captain of the Spanish Royal Fleet, and 19 armed members of the expedition camped in this vicinity.
Here the Spaniards found “pine trees of great magnitude” and the river water “very delicate in taste”. They reveled in it for it was “aqua buena y clara”. They erected a cross naming the forest “El Pinal De La Cruz De Santa Teresa”.
(end of marker text)
This is a beautiful location, perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
(click on image to see a 1200×900 image)
