Existing comment:
The Funeral Mound of the Mississippians
Archeological Evidence Reveals the Past
This mound was the burial place for village leaders and important personages. Over 100 burials were discovered with the mound as well as log tombs and other structures at different levels. Archeological evidence suggests that this mound was built in seven stages. A structure was built on top of each stage, probably to prepare the dead for burial and the accompanying ceremonies.
The present height is as the third [of seven] stages. At the seventh and final stage of construction, it is estimated the at [sic] the mound may have measured as much as 280 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 25 feet high.
Significant artifacts found during the archeological investigations of the 1930's uncovered a part of a human figure effigy and the remnant (reconstructed) of a neck piece, called a gorgel. These suggest that a high ranking personage was buried here. ... These artifacts are housed in the Visitor Center Museum.
Before the park was established in 1936, the Central of Georgia Railroad destroyed a portion of the northeast corner of the mound during its construction in the 1870's. The present roadway [which is located beyond the fence] replaced the railroad. |