GCAJGXW Town Creek Indian Mound (Virtual Cache) in North Carolina, United States created by sull427

A cache by sull427 Message this owner

Hidden : 2/1/2024

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: virtual (virtual)

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Geocache Description:

Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Saturday, 9am to 5pm Closed Sunday and Monday and most holidays Admission: free
NOTE: When we went to visit, the minor temple (location 05) was closed because it just received a new roof (you can walk around outside of the fence and see the building, if it is closed) and the trails (location 07) are closed, because of storms. I did walk to the trailhead (location 06) and walked to the left to see the river. Both of these areas are suppose to be open soon.

Town Creek Indian Mound 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead, NC
This is the oldest historic site in the state and the only one entirely devoted to American Indian history. Archeologists have been working at Town Creek since 1937, and progress continues today on a smaller scale.
The posted coords are for location 01. This place is great for everyone. Bring a picnic and dive into the history of early American Indians.
To claim a find:
1. Below there are 7 locations listed. Take a picture of your favorite location and post it with your "found it" log, making sure you get enough in the picture that others can tell where it is. (Even though you are only required to go to one location, I hope that you do take time to walk though the other locations and learn and enjoy the wealth of history and beauty that is here.)
2. Write in your "found it" log which location your picture was taken and why the location was your favorite.

Location 01: Museum - N 35°11.031' W 079°55.843'
The museum houses interpretive exhibits; a 20 minute film about the discovery and excavation of this site and a look into the Pee Dee culture; and a gift shop.
There is a "Museum Scavenger Hunt" brochure - when you go through door to go to see the film and exhibits - go left to see the film and forward (a little to the right) to see the brochures. When the museum scavenger hunt is complete, it says to return to gift shop and receive a free tattoo or sticker.

Location 02: Mortuary (burial hut) - N 35°10.978' W 079°55.759'
A burial exhibit with audio information about the scene are located here.
A total of 563 burials have been found at Town Creek Indian Mound; they are believed to be Pee Dee people.

Location 03: Ceremonial Hut/Mound - N 35°10.951' W 079°55.763'
In addition to being a major habitation spot, the Town Creek site served as a place for discussion of matters important to the collective clans of the tribe. In this way, it was the setting for significant religious ceremonies and feasts, which often lasted several days.

Location 04: Pole - N 35° 10.955' W 79° 55.742'
Why did they put a pole in the middle of this open area?
The pole is located in the plaza or public area in front of the mound. The plaza was used for games, dancing and important ceremonies. The large game pole was used for ball games.

Location 05: Minor temple - N 35°10.957' W 079°55.725'
A hut that shows how Pee Dee Indians built their dwellings. This building was used for smaller religious ceremonies and feast.

Location 06: Trails/Trailhead - N 35°10.938' W 079°55.709' Location 07: End of Straight Trail is N 35°10.883' W 079°55.655'.
If you go right, this short trail will take you outside the village, along the palisad - a fence of wooden stakes.
Going straight at trailhead takes you on a 1/4 mile nature trail along the river with outdoor exhibits that share information on plant and animal species native to the Little River valley.

Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.

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