TRAVEL

TOWN CREEK INDIAN MOUND

EXPLORE THE PEE DEE TRIBE’S HISTORY IN MOUNT GILEAD

When 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 served 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.

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.

BY ANITA B. STONE

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.

JOIN THE HUNT!

A glimpse of the Pee Dee’s tribal grounds and artifacts evokes interest in the tribe’s native tools and weaponry. Exploring the possibility of finding these, as a hunter or collector, is exciting and educational. In earlier years, searches were unmonitored and visitors found artifacts across the state. Today, local, state and federal rules and regulations have been imposed to protect the rights of landowners and Native Americans. Collectors should become acquainted with these guidelines before heading out to hunt for artifacts. By using caution and following the law, you can still find and collect many artifacts. Here are some tips to consider if you decide to join the hunt. 1. Purchase or download a state

topographical map that shows routes once used during ancient times.

Download one from the North Carolina

Department of Environmental Quality by doing a search for “topographic maps” at deq.nc.gov. 2. Get permission from the landowner.

Because state and federal laws prohibit artifact hunting on state- or federallyowned land, you will need to identify private property on which to search.

After doing so, you must obtain the landowner’s permission since it’s illegal to search for, or remove, found objects without authorization. 3. Search newly plowed land, as well as the banks of streams and rivers. Be on the lookout for artifacts during spring and autumn after farmers plow their fields. Newly plowed furrows often reveal pieces of stone tools protruding through or lying on top of the soil. Banks of private streams and their adjacent areas are also rewarding places to look.

And where rivers come together, tools have often washed ashore. 4. Acquaint yourself with Native American

tools, as well as soil and rock types, so you can identify any implements you

find. As you become more familiar with

Native American artifacts, you will be able to identify locations and types of rocks used.

5. Dress appropriately, pack necessities,

and take a friend or let someone know

where you will be traveling. Pack water, a mobile phone, some simple tools and a sack to hold your discoveries. It is extremely important to keep a record of where each piece was found, as well as the date and other pertinent information. When you find an item, be sure to show it to the landowner before you leave the premises. Follow the rules and you may find treasured pieces of history across North Carolina, such as finely formed Native American artifacts and tools, projectile points, scrapers, or grinding and polishing stones.

visitraleigh.com

Town Creek Indian Mound is located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road in Mount Gilead. The mound is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, call 910.439.6802 or email towncreek@ncdcr.gov. Information sources for this story include Town Creek Indian Mound Historic Interpreter Daniel Alexi; Superintendent of Documents in Washington, D.C.; the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; and the UNC–Chapel Hill History Department.

Photo by Tom Poland

AT THE TOP is a Dalton point. SECOND LAYER: The second point from the left is a Morrow Mountain Type 2 point found in Lincoln County, Georgia. It’s named after Morrow Mountain, North Carolina, where it was identified in 1964 by Joffre L. Coe. The gray point to its right is from Howardsville, Michigan. And to the right of that is another point found in Lincoln County, Georgia. THIRD LAYER: A reddish Dalton point is on the left. Next to it is a point found near Howardsville, Michigan. To its right is another Morrow Mountain type 2 point found in Lincoln County, Georgia. BOTTOM LAYER: To the far left and far right are more points from Howardsville, Michigan. Between those, second from left, is a scraper. To its right is a large spear point. The scraper and large spear were both found in Lincolnton, Georgia. The Native American artifacts pictured at left are part of reader Tom Poland’s collection.