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
Upcoming Events
- June 8: Fiber, the Tie that Binds
Fiber holds the world together. Join us for the first of our summer "Second Saturdays" events, and see prehistoric and contemporary methods of fiber manipulations. Learn how the Pee Dee Culture used fiber to hold their world together, and see how modern artists use fiber to create attractive pieces of work (for sale). Hands-on activities for the young and young-at-heart. This event is free, and open to the public. - July 13: Happy Birthday Dr. Coe
Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
Help us celebrate the birth of the "Godfather of North Carolina Archaeology," and learn more about the science he taught and practiced. 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, and open to the public.
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.
Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays
Admission
No admission fees. Donations are accepted