MT. GILEAD— Saturn will be the “star” attraction of Town Creek Indian Mound’s monthly astronomy program, scheduled Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. The second largest planet, and famed for its vapor rings, Saturn is also a big favorite of many amateur astronomers. Bring blankets, chairs and telescopes to the state historic site near Mt. Gilead to get a look at the spectacular sixth planet from the sun, as well as stars. (A 12-inch Dobsonian telescope will also be available to visitors.)
Participants will also learn the fascinating myths behind the prominent constellations in the nighttime sky. This date was selected for the February program because Saturn will be in “opposition” (the nearest position to Earth for the year), at its brightest and visible all night, from sunset to sunrise. Though the presentation is free and open to the public, pre-registration is required. Participants should dress for chilly weather and bring a flashlight with a red lens. To register or for more information, contact the site at 910-439-6802 or e-mail towncreek@ncmail.net. Town Creek Indian Mound is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The site is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.
For more than a thousand years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1000, a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western and southern Piedmont North Carolina, the Mississippian tradition spawned complex societies. Inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new form of religion.
In 1937, excavations began at Town Creek Indian Mound. Key features of the site were reconstructed, including the mound, two temple structures, a burial hut and surrounding stockade. Archaeologists’ excavations revealed that the mound at Town Creek was constructed over an early rectangular structure known as an “earth lodge.”
The mission of Town Creek Indian Mound is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits, as well as audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Tour groups are welcome and encouraged.
The historic site is located on Town Creek Mound Road approximately five miles east of Mt. Gilead, in southern Montgomery County between NC 73 and NC 731. For information on Town Creek, call the site at 910-439-6802, e-mail towncreek@ncmail.net or visit our website at http://www.towncreek.nchistoricsites.org/.
Town Creek Indian Mound is an agency of the N.C. Division of State Historic Sites, Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history, and culture. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com. Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, Town Creek Indian Mount is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history, and culture. Join the Cultural Resources 2008 theme observance of “Telling Our Stories”. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com or call 919 807-7385.