Velda Mound is an archaeological site in northern Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, United States. Once within the extensive Apalachee Province of the panhandle, the site is now owned by the State of Florida.
Velda Mound was built during the Fort Walton Culture, approximately . It was last occupied as a village during the period of 1450—1625 by the Apalachee tribe and their ancestors. The Spanish explorers called this area Apalachee Province in recognition of the tribe's power, a territory which also included Lake Jackson Mound and major center of Anhaica. The earthwork mound is believed to have served as a residence platform mound for the village leader. It also served as a kind of town hall and gathering place. Domestic residences surrounded the mound. The inhabitants cultivated vegetables in communal farming fields in the area around the village.
Velda Mound was abandoned by indigenous peoples by the beginning of the Spanish Mission Period (ca. 1565). This was most likely the result of their depleting nearby natural resources, such as trees for building homes and for firewood. The soil may have become depleted as well. The people would move to new lands which were more fertile, and allow older areas to recover. They cultivated numerous varieties of maize, beans and squash. No evidence exists showing occupation of the mound by the Spanish or British colonists.
During the 1950s, the large Velda Dairy operation was developed in much of northern Leon County. Their property for cows and pastureland included the Velda Mound. Looters searching for artifacts dug into the mound and damaged it by disturbing the interior and altering the structure.
The dairy property was later sold for redevelopment as residences. The mound has since been repaired and is now owned by the state. The mound is located in the Arbor Hill neighborhood within the sub-division of Killearn Estates.
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