Town Creek Indian Mound is an unusual phenomenon in the history of North American archaeology. Most archaeological sites are investigated for a few years and then… archaeologists move on to new locations. Where long-range research has been conducted, it has often been under several directors and different plans of research. Town Creek, situated on Little River (a tributary of the Great Pee Dee in central North Carolina), has been the focus of a consistent program of archaeological research under one director for more than half a century.
This research has contributed to scientific understanding of the original inhabitants of our continent and has provided educational opportunities for many graduate and undergraduate students in anthropology. Moreover, these contributions to science and higher education were made as the site contributed directly to public education.
Town Creek is one of the most popular State Historic Sites in North Carolina.
Leland G. Ferguson
Chair, Department of Anthropology
University of South Carolina
— from his foreword to archaeologist Joffre Lanning Coe's study, Town Creek Indian Mound: A Native American Legacy (UNC Press, 1995)
The Site Today
Town Creek & Indian Culture
- Southeastern Indian Cultural Synopsis
- The Pee Dee Culture
- Mound Archaeology
- Village Archaeology
- The Burial House
- The Mortuary
- Artifacts
Maps of Town Creek
Resources
What's New/Upcoming
- May 18, 19: Town Creek Star Party
Bring your telescopes, campers, or tents and plan to spend the weekend scrutinizing stars and other celestial objects at one of the last great dark-sky sites in central North Carolina. Gates locked at 10pm. Registration required for overnight camping/viewing. Fee of $15 per night for camping. Visitation before 10pm is free. Contact 910-439-6802 or email towncreek@ncdcr.gov for more info. - June 9: Fiber, The Tie That Binds
Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Fiber holds the world together. Join us for a celebration of this unique art form, as we present the first in our summer "Second Saturdays" series. See primitive and contemporary methods of fiber manipulation, learn how the Pee Dee Culture used fiber to hold their world together, and see how modern artists craft fiber into attractive pieces of work (for sale). Hands-on activities for the young and young-at-heart. Free. Call 910-439-6802 or email towncreek@ncdcr.gov for more info. - July 14: Dr. Coe's Birthday Bash and Archaeology Celebration
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Join us for a "Second Saturdays" event, and celebrate the birth of the "Godfather of North Carolina Archaeology." Learn more about the science Dr. Coe taught and practiced, including his work at Town Creek. Games and activities for kids, living history demonstrations throughout the day, and artists on site offering their creations for sale. Birthday cake and ice cream served at 1pm. Admission is free. Contact towncreek@ncdcr.gov for more info.
Town Creek Indian Mound Information
Contact Us
Town Creek Indian Mound
509 Town Creek Mound Rd.
Mt. Gilead, NC 27306
Phone: (910) 439-6802
Fax: (910) 439-6441
Email: towncreek@ncdcr.gov
Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Closed Monday and major holidays
Admission
No admission fees. Donations are accepted