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. Here long-range research has been conducted under several directors and different research plans. Town Creek, situated on Little River (a branch 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 50 years.
This research has contributed to scientific understanding of the original inhabitants of our continent and has provided educational opportunities for many anthropology graduate and undergraduate students. Moreover, these scientific and high education contributions were made as the site contributed directly to public education.
Today, 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
Site Maps
- Site Area (28KB)
- Site Layout
- Ceremonial Center (67KB)
Other Information
Town Creek Indian Mound Information
Contact Us
Town Creek Indian Mound
509 Town Creek Mound Rd.
Mt. Gilead, N.C. 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 state holidays
Admission
No admission fees. Donations are accepted and appreciated.