8 Things Archaeologists Discovered In North Carolina That May Surprise You

Archaeologist discovered the rock deep within the mountains of Jackson County, they estimated it to date back 2,000-3,000 years. The rock is covered with mysterious ancient petroglyphs and has perplexed archaeologists since first discovered. Native Americans claimed it to be the work of a slant-eyed giant named Judaculla (who controlled the area) while the more realistic believe it to be a hunting map.

In 1995, a ship and several artifacts were discovered off the coast of Beaufort. It wasn't until 15 years later that archaeologist confirmed it was in fact Queen Anne's Revenge, the flagship of infamous pirate Blackbeard. The ship was run aground on a sandbar in 1718 (some speculate it was on purpose by Blackbeard so he could keep the most valuable plunder).

Some finds that led to the discovery include apothecary weights stamped with tiny fleur-de-lis (a royal French symbol). The original ship was named Le Concorde, a French ship captured by Blackbeard and his crew. Other finds include a syringe, a cannon, gold, and a bell engraved with 1705. It's no doubt Blackbeard preferred to call North Carolina home, taking residence in Bath and later being killed in battle in the Pamlico Sound. It's only appropriate that his signature ship would appear years and years later. Today, you can see the discovered remains at the NC Maritime Museum.

The original site of Town Creek Indian Mound has been extensively excavated and restored by archaeologists. Today, you can experience the reconstruction of Pee Dee Culture dating back to 1000-1600 AD. The Indian Mound is open year round and includes a platform mound, circular mortuary house, sacred square ground, and a reconstructed ceremonial center.

While Morrow Mountain makes for a beautiful day trip, there's tons of history here. The main archaeological interest is the number of quarry sites. These sites were used for thousands of years by Native Americans as sources for raw materials and chipped-stone tools. The stone, rhyolite, is found on Morrow Mountain's summit. Examples of this discovery can be seen today at the Visitor Center.

Lake Phelps, a shallow, clear lake was the site of discovery of 30 dugout canoes dating back 4,400 years. The canoes were used by Native Americans to navigate the waters. Today, you can see an original canoe on display in the Exhibit building.

Fort Raleigh is predicted to be the exact location of The Lost Colony, a group of 115 men, women, and children who ventured to America, settled, and vanished without a trace. Archaeological discoveries by J.C Harrington indicate a settlement dating back between 1585-1590. While no one knows the mystery of The Lost Colony, today, this section of Roanoke Island has been set aside and reconstructed as an example of where they would have lived.

While there's not much 'discovery' to these historic ruins, it's still a fascinating piece of history left behind. Brunswick Town was an early settlement from 1720-1780 before it was ravaged by British Troops. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed on the site.

Archaeological discoveries took place in the 1950s and 70s. The ruins of 25 structures were found, including houses, churches, and craft buildings. You can see the remains of St. Phillips Church, the tomb of "King" Roger Moore (pictured above), hang out in the 'stocks,' and wander through the wooded path to more archaeological ruins.