TRAVEL
Photo by Mark Cawley
D E PA R T M E N T S
TOWN CREEK INDIAN MOUND EXPLORE THE PEE DEE TRIBE’S HISTORY IN MOUNT GILEAD
W
hen farmers in Montgomery County, North Carolina, began finding traces of chipped rock on their property, clues began to emerge of another society that once thrived on the same land around 1150 A.D. These early settlers, a new Native American culture known as the Pee Dee, had occupied the same area. The Pee Dee formed a complex societal organization and created large earthen “mounds,” which ser ved as platforms for political and social events, as well as foundations for temples and spiritual ceremonies. A plaza, part of the mound complex, held houses, mortuaries and other structures. The entire area was enclosed by a perimeter of wooden posts. The Pee Dee engaged in extensive trade networks, developed original craft traditions, celebrated a new religion, and created a sophisticated and highly functioning society.
BY ANITA B. STONE One of the most noteworthy Pee Dee celebrations was held in the plaza at the beginning of each year. It was called the “busk,” during which houses and grounds were refurbished, debts were repaid and a purification ritual took place. At the close of this celebration, each Pee Dee family member took embers from the community fire to their home to begin a new year. It was a symbol of unity. Hence, the Pee Dee became known as the “People of One Fire.” They remained in the area until the 1840s on land located near present-day Mount Gilead, North Carolina.
EXPLORING THE CULTURE
The Pee Dee culture mound is unusual in that it was constructed on top of what was once one of the earliest earthen lodges. Now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a U.S. National Historic Landmark, the property today is known as Town Creek Indian Mound and recognized as one of
North America’s few Native American sites. It’s also a North Carolina Historic Site. Town Creek Historic Mound is an enjoyable, educational and family-friendly place to explore. A tour creates an aura of mystique and silence where visitors inhale a gentle wind of the past—a place where accomplished Native Americans lived, worked the land and worshipped as a community on North Carolina soil. Then, suddenly, they disappeared. The museum shop, along with interpretive exhibits, displays a variety of artifacts, books and unique items representing the Pee Dee’s culture. Visitors gain an appreciation and understanding of the tribe’s early life by viewing a short, historical movie about how the Pee Dee lived, worked and celebrated their lives, including a depiction of how the “People of One Fire” ceremony evolved. Visiting children are offered a sack of earthen clay from which they can create a small Native American pot to take home.
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