The period from 100 *B.C. to* 400 A.D. is known as the Middle Woodland Period. During this time in what is now Union County early inhabitants constructed mounds using simple stone age tools and baskets for carrying the dirt. A major complex, Ingomar Mounds, was composed of a large flat-topped, ramped mound and surrounded by 11 to 13 conical mounds. Only one is highly visible today; Mound 14 !
What is a mound?
A mound is a general term for an artificial heaped pile of earth, gravel, sand, rocks, or debris. The most common use is in reference to natural earthen formation such as hills and mountains, particularly if they appear artificial. The term may also be applied to any rounded area of topographically higher elevation on any surface. Artificial mounds have been created for a variety of reasons throughout history, including ceremonial (platform mound), burial (tumulus), and for commemorative purposes.
This ceremonial and burial complex has been one of considerable interest since first recorded in 1885 by the Smithsonian Institution. Evidence from construction and unearthed objects including bones, pottery, points, beads, glass and silver indicate that this Middle Woodland complex was used for centuries.
When this site was first excavated by the Smithsonian in 1885; a silver plate bearing a Spanish Coat of Arms was found, stirring the debate that the mounds may have been used by later Native American tribes. It may have also been the site of Hernando Desoto's Winter Camp in 1541. However, this debate goes on even today, and researchers continue to discover clues to its secrets.
Ingomar Mounds site is owned by the Archaeological Conservancy. To reach it from New Albany, drive six miles south from U.S. Highway 78 on State Highway 15. At County Road 96, take a right and go two miles. The mound site is on the right.
The site is part of of the Union County Historic Tour. For more information contact Jill Smith at the Union County Heritage Museum at (662) 538-0014.
A special thanks to Janet Rafferty; Archaeologist with Mississippi State University's Cobb Institute of Archaeology and Jill Smith with The Union County Heritage Museum for information provided about the Ingomar Mound site.
For more information about the Ingomar Mounds, activities at the mound, and future plans of the mound site, visit: Union County Development Association (www.uucda-newalbany.com) or the Union County Heritage Museum (www.ucheritagemuseum.com).
Now that you have learned about the area,lets get onto the geocache you are looking for : )
Park in the gravel parking lot (parking coords) and the Mound is approx. 800 feet east .You see The cache is a medium sized lock-n-lock. . It would be much appreciated if you place it back exactly as you find it . You may get a little muddy after a rain.