Backusburg Mounds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Archeological Site 15CW64
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ridgeline 0.25 miles (0.40 km) southeast of Backusburg, along the Clarks River |
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| Nearest city | Backusburg, Kentucky |
| Area | 6.5 acres (2.6 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001506 |
| Added to NRHP | July 11, 1985 |
The Backusburg Mounds (also known as 15-CW-64) are an exciting archaeological site in Kentucky, near the small town of Backusburg. This area, known as the Jackson Purchase, is home to many important historical places. The Backusburg Mounds are one of the most famous sites in this region. People have known about these mounds for a long time, partly because they are so big! The largest mound is about 150 feet long and 75 feet wide at its base.
This large mound sits on a ridge above a part of the Clarks River. It has a unique shape, which makes some people think it might be several smaller mounds built close together. Even in the 1930s, this biggest mound had never been plowed. It was covered in thick woods with very old, large trees growing on it.
Even though it was mostly untouched, parts of the mound have been dug into over time. Many interesting artifacts have been found there. Finding old items in this area isn't new. A field near Backusburg has often revealed skeletons, projectile points (like arrowheads), and pottery when it was plowed. This suggests it was once a village site.
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Discovering the Backusburg Mounds
Archaeologists first learned about the Backusburg Mounds in the 1920s. However, only one major study was done there during the 1900s. This study happened in 1981. It was mostly carried out by students from Murray State University. Their leader was an archaeologist named Kenneth Carstens.
Mapping and Understanding the Site
Even though the Murray State team only had one day to work at the site, they did a great job. They were able to create maps that showed the exact borders of the site. They also collected items from the surface of the ground. These items helped Carstens figure out which ancient culture built the mounds.
It was later confirmed that the mounds were built by a Mississippian people. These were Native American groups who lived in the central and southeastern United States long ago. They were known for building large earthen mounds.
Protecting a Historic Place
Four years after the Murray State study, in 1985, the Backusburg Mounds were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list in the United States that recognizes important historical and archaeological sites. The mounds were listed under their special archaeological name, 15-CW-64.
The Backusburg Mounds are the only archaeological site in Calloway County, Kentucky, to be on this important list. They are also one of thirteen such sites in the wider Jackson Purchase region.
Recent Studies and Preservation Efforts
More archaeological work finally took place at Backusburg in 2013. Another group of Murray State archaeology students returned to the site. They were there for their "field school," which is like a hands-on class where they learn how to carefully document archaeological sites.
Around the same time, a group called The Archaeological Conservancy was in the process of buying the land. This organization buys archaeological sites specifically to protect them. Their main goal is to make sure these important historical places are preserved for the future.
