MOUNT GILEAD — Shadows from the past return to bask in the flickering glow of warm hearth fires at the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources’ Town Creek Indian Mound on Saturday, Oct. 27. Visitors will be able to “see the site in new light” as firelight tours of the village site will be given from 7 to 9 p.m. and depart every 15 minutes from the visitor center.
“It’s a rare opportunity to experience the site in as the Pee Dee culture did 800 years ago. Bring the family out to make some history of your own,” said Site Manager Rich Thompson.
This event is free but donations are greatly appreciated. Send an email to towncreek@ncdcr.gov or call (910) 439-6802 for more information.
For more than 1,000 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, inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople, and celebrated a new religion.
The mission of Town Creek is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and 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 site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.
The historic site is within the Division of State Historic Sites and located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road in Mount Gilead. For more information on Town Creek, visit the site online.
Town Creek Indian Mound is a unit of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.