Monday, September 16, 2019

Day 4: Stop 4: Bynum Mounds (MP 232.4)

The following text is from the National Park Services site: https://www.nps.gov/places/bynum-mounds.htm

"Bynum Mounds is the oldest mound site along Natchez Trace Parkway. These mounds were created by American Indians in what was known as the Middle Woodland Period between 100 BCE-100 CE. The mounds range in height from 5-feet to 14-feet. 


Originally, there were six mounds at this site. However, in the 1940's five of them were excavated by National Park Service archeologists. The two largest mounds were rebuilt. These mounds acted as epicenters for ceremonial and religious activities for the American Indians who built them. Exotic trade goods and other artifacts were uncovered in the excavations which gives evidence to a vast and varying trade network throughout the southeast.

Today, the spirit of Bynum Mounds remains strong. Over a span of 2,000 years, American Indian people have felt a powerful bond with this culturally significant site. Descendants of the mound builders, like the Chickasaw, still return here to their homeland to reconnect with their culture and ancestors." 












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