Treasure! An exciting word that immediately captures our interest. Visions of pirates preying on majestic sailing ships filled with gold, silver and fabulous jewels form in our minds. Then, sailing to a desert island or a fortified lair, the pirates bury their ill-gotten gains in order to safeguard them. We dream of discovering long buried or forgotten treasure that has just been waiting for some fortunate person to discover it.  

Although colorful legends and local stories tell of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte sailing on our bay and hiding under nearby bluffs, the treasure found in the Village Point Preserve is of another sort. The Preserve, Daphne’s newest park, is rich in local, national, and world history. Some of the earliest inhabitants of North America lived and roamed on this land. Europeans explored and founded colonies here. At times, they brought their differences and even wars to this area. Early settlers and immigrants carved out new homes and lives on this land, as thousands were doing in what was to become the United States of America. We know this because evidence of Indians, Spanish, French and English people has been discovered in the park area. It is unknown how much more is to be discovered, but the possibilities are endless!  

The land itself is unique and without equal in this area. Natural treasures abound. State champion trees, unsullied wetlands, streams, and undeveloped woodlands are just a fraction of the wonders contained in the Preserve. A treasure that no price or value can be put on, and the Crown Jewel of the Preserve is the unlimited public bay access. Daphne citizens and visitors alike for generations will use and enjoy one of the very few remaining public beaches on Mobile Bay.  

Since the Village Point Park Preserve was founded many discoveries have been made. Digs and research have indicated there is still much more “buried treasure.” In fact, the surface has barely been scratched. There is so much more to learn and see. We study our past to understand ourselves and to shape our future. We preserve and safeguard our natural treasures so future generations can do the same.