Town Creek Indian Mound is a North Carolina State Historical Site located on Little River despite its name. It is near the confluence of the Little River and Town Creek. The site was part of a farm. It was known as an Indian site by the owners who did some amateur excavations before the state took possession in 1937. Funded by the WPA, the University of NC began professional excavation under the direction of Jeffrey Coe who would be involved here for 50 years. For a short period it was known as Frutchey State Park, named for the family who gave land and later sold additional land to the state.
It is believed to be a spiritual and governing center within the Mississippian Culture of mound building Indians. The Mississippian Culture took hold just prior to 1000 AD and marked a shift to large scale agricultural settlements. This mound and the land surrounding it was fenced and contained several ceremonial and spiritual buildings. Excavations have shown where support posts were. So the size of the buildings are accurate. Clans from the surrounding area are thought to have come to Town Creek at least once a year for a ceremonial renewal. Fires were put out and new ones started. All debts and disagreements were settled. A game similar to lacrosse also was played during this period.
The demise of the culture occurred in the 1400s with some areas holding out for another 100 years. It is not known what caused the decline.
A number of human remains have been found at the site. During the amateur excavation, a tractor pulled a blade across the ground, unearthing tools and bones. Some of the site was destroyed in this fashion. The bones are likely from important members of the clans or the spiritual leaders who resided at the mound site. there are some artifacts in the visitors center as well as a 20 minute film describing the site, culture and excavation.
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