During Part One of this Ancient Mound Appreciation Guide, we reviewed journeys to five honored locations where Original Inhabitants have gathered since time immemorial.
At North Carolina (“Town Creek Mound”) we shared highlights from our second journey to the Little River area and continued until reaching the Pee Dee further away. We paused to investigate native grasses and sedges and aquatic plants thriving along riverbanks. We observed stands of evergreen trees in route and the clear crown-spreads of various deciduous trees. And as customary we stopped to reflect on the great integrity of our people. During our travel throughout the local area we paid special attention towards Asiatic business, historical markers and artwork. In reflection, I wonder if the Most Noble of Brothers, Drew Ali, found solace along these sacred ley-lines. Peace
At West Virginia (“Grave Creek Mound”) we were awestruck by the presence of the astonishing conical mound, patiently hiking up to its precipice and enjoying elevated views of the community and waterway. We were so enthralled we had to extend our journey to allow more study time of the various exhibits at the museum on location. We were able to learn more about petroglyphs uncovered nearby and also Mount Carbon.
Along the Santee River at South Carolina (“Santee Mound”) we experienced peaceful introspection and solitude as the mound site was sparsely occupied. We had plenty of time to study native trees and plants (wisteria was in bloom with its delicious natural fragrance). Various families of birds were either perched on high limbs or riding thermals.
During travels near King Mounds at Kentucky (“Wycliff Mound”) we observed the platform mounds and plaza on the higher banks and the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and later the community of Cairo.
And at “Saint Marys West Virginia” (“Reynolds Farm Mound”) we circled the ancient mound called “Reynolds Farm Mound” at a small community situated along the Ohio River. We are thankful for its considerate preservation.
Let’s Continue!
PART TWO
Monuments Featured: “NaNa Dune”, “Etowah Mounds”, “Ocmulgee Mounds”, “Ormond Burial Mound”, “Nocoroco Tomoka River Mound”
NaNa Dune, American Beach
This ancient natural monument is said to be the largest sand dune (60 feet tall) at Florida territory and serves as protection from storm damage to shoreline resources. The dune was penned "NaNa" by environmental advocate MaVynne Betsch (affectionately called "The Beach Lady"). Through years of diligence, she helped to preserve the sacred dune, its essential flora and fauna habitat, and its nearby shoreline community—American Beach, which flourished into an historic "African-American" beach town first called Franklin Town. Today, NaNa Dune, situated on 8.5-acres within American Beach and located on the south end of Amelia Island, is protected by the National Park Service as part of the Timucuan Ecologic & Historic Preserve. Also, in 2021, the North Florida Land Trust acquired 1.5-acres nearby known as "Little NaNa" and their description notes that it has importance in helping protect a portion of this increasingly rare intact "ancient" dune system.
Video Brief of the NaNa Dune System at American Beach
Etowah Mounds, 813 Indian Mounds Road NE, Cartersville, Georgia
Etowah Mounds are said to be the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast, encompassing 54 acres with numerous mounds, a village and plaza, borrow pits, and defensive ditch situated along the Etowah River. Reportedly, the primary temple mound stands around 67 feet and is said to be the tallest Indigenous mound at Georgia territory. As ancient mound builders, and based on archaeological evidence, these Original Inhabitants are thought to be ancesters of Muscogee (Creek) and Cherokee people; also, the words "Etowah" or "Italwah" or "Itaba" mean 'town or trail crossing' in the Muscogee language. With only a small percentage of site evaluated, researchers acknowledge significant artifact recoveries such as a pair of carved marble effigy statues and treasured Indigenous nobility burial items.
Video Brief-Etowah-Mounds
Ocmulgee Mounds - 1207 Emery Highway - Macon, Georgia
The spectacular ancient monuments, known as Ocmulgee Mounds, are situated along the Ocmulgee River, where Original Inhabitants existed for thousands of years. As part of the so-named Macon Plateau (region of the largest archaeology dig in American history, recovering 2.5 million artifacts), these precious landmarks built by esteemed Mississippians (Mound Builders) sustained much damage during the excavations. Restorative efforts included preservation of eight mounds and village areas, creating historical signage, and adding space to display some of the 2,000+ artifacts removed. The Muscogee (Creek) people were exceptional farmers—they lived in this vast river valley, established a large central village surrounded by numerous small towns, and eventually became known as the Muscogee Confederacy or Nation.
Video Brief _ Ocmulgee Mounds
Burial Mound Ormond - Ormond Beach, Florida
This sacred Burial Mound rests on the corner of South Beach Street and Mound Avenue near the "Halifax" River or Kjipuktuk (an Indigenous name for the large harbor and city located at Canada territory). It is said to be the last of many monuments built by prehistoric "Timucuan" people who established several villages in the surrouding area. With community advocacy, the mound was saved from destruction. Archaeological excavations removed skeletons (some dating a thousand years old) and documented the cultural significance of the mound as one of the most intact burial sites at Florida territory.
Video Brief - Ormond Burial Mound
Nocoroco Village and Tomoka Mound Complex - Ormond
These two landmarks located at the confluence where the Tomoka and Kjipuktuk Rivers meet (so-labeled Tomoka Point) are in actuality one extensive Indigenous monument. An “Historic Marker” displayed near Nocoroco Village (site located on the eastern confluence) claims that Early expedition documents of 1605 mention it as “the first Indian village south of Saint Augustine.” It is said Nocoroco was the last stronghold of a massive Timucua group that dominated this region. Also, situated south of Nocoroco is an area labeled" Tomoka River Park and Preserve" which evinces early habitation (around 5000 BC) by ancestors of the Timucua. They built the so-named Tomoka Mound Complex, which has been the object of extensive archaeological research to identify and preserve 12+ mounds, documenting revelations about Original Inhabitants of this region.
Video Brief Nocoroco Village