Scattered throughout our state are the remnants of a history that have been lost in time -- places where people once lived their lives, had families, and formed communities. North America certainly has a past that predates any of its territories, states, or settlements. Tennessee is home to the Pinson Mounds near Jackson, where huge plots of dirt were built -- but for what purpose? As more is discovered, more questions arise... and the story is still unfolding before our very eyes. Better yet, you can explore these mounds yourself.
Early indigenous people in America have lots of stories yet to be told.
The search for answers seems to just bring even more questions as dig sites reveal the secrets swallowed into the depths of the earth. Groups of people have made these mounds many years ago, but their purpose for them is still not completely understood. Shadows and echos of the past are revealed through layers underground, but there remains much to be discovered.
There are several of these Pinson Mounds scattered throughout a large area across Tennessee -- and more are still being discovered.
The biggest is called Saul’s Mound and it towers a soaring 72 feet tall. Interestingly enough there seems to be a lack of evidence that people lived around this area. It seems as though groups of people traveled long distances to this site. The structure predates later mounds in what is known as the Mississippi era but has similar flat-top construction. This leads researchers to believe the Pinson Mounds could have been the first.
There is a large pit that was found nearby that may have been the location where the dirt was moved to create these mountains.
However, the structures are far too large for that to be the only place for the dirt to come from. Rare material found on the site reveals that people brought items from beyond the Rocky Mountains, the northern land near the Great Lakes, and even the Gulf of Mexico.
One artifact discovered here were knee rattles made from human skulls.
The use for them is still unknown, but they were ornately decorated with swirling patterns and some even think that the drawings on the rattles show a map of the mounds. Human remains have been found within these mounds, too, so they may have served the purpose of honoring the dead.
This area very well could have been the hub for many people within North America who travelled great distances to reach.
With so much effort put into making the long journey, it is believed to be a place of much significance. The mounds' square tops also perfectly point like a compass from North, East, South, and West. Also just like the pyramids and many other ancient world structures, the “Potato Mound” has astronomical alignments. This could have been a place of remembrance, meeting, or worship -- but the story is still yet to be unearthed.
You can visit this site yourself and see the mounds, walk the grounds, and explore the area.
Tennessee State Parks Service has opened this historic place up to the public and even has a museum onsite to further learn more. Archaeologists are working year-round to find more about this place and hope to unlock the key to some of these hidden mysteries.
The allure of the Pison Mounds is its mystery, and its story continues to unravel. Learning more about the people that came before us and used this land is a fascinating journey to go on. Hike in and enjoy these massive structures yourself, walk along the tops of the platform edges, and take footsteps that people thousands of years took before you. Learn more about this interesting place of history by visiting the Pison Mounds State Archaeological Park website.
About an hour's drive from the mounds, you can also take a lovely walk and go birding in The Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.
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