Bell Field Mound Site facts for kids
 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
|
|
| Location | Murray County, Georgia,  USA |
|---|---|
| Region | Murray County, Georgia |
| Coordinates | 34°36′35.14″N 84°40′53.11″W / 34.6097611°N 84.6814194°W |
| History | |
| Cultures | South Appalachian Mississippian culture |
| Site notes | |
| Responsible body: private | |
The Bell Field Mound Site (also known as 9 MU 101) was an important archaeological site in Murray County, Georgia. It was located on the western bank of the Coosawattee River. This area was once home to people of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture.
Sadly, this ancient site was destroyed in the 1970s when the Carters Dam was built. It was one of several important sites, like the Sixtoe Mound and Little Egypt, that were in the path of the dam.
Contents
Digging Up History: The Bell Field Excavations
Archaeologists dug at the Bell Field site in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These digs were led by Arthur Randolph Kelly from the University of Georgia. They worked with the National Park Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.
These summer digs were "salvage excavations." This means archaeologists worked quickly to save important artifacts and information. They wanted to learn as much as possible before the dam construction destroyed the site forever.
Most of the work focused on the main mound structures. Less attention was paid to the surrounding village area. Many local volunteers and university students helped with this important work.
What Was Found at Bell Field?
The Bell Field site had a large central mound. Terraces were built on its sides, along the riverbanks. The mound showed layers of different building periods. This means people built on top of older structures over time.
Archaeologists found evidence of four buildings on the highest level of the mound. The layers also showed a change in the types of artifacts found. This suggests different groups or traditions lived there over time.
Special Buildings and Structures
Around the main mound, there were several smaller buildings connected by walkways. One important building was a "council-house" north of the mound. It had a central fireplace and circular, tiered seats. This suggests it was a place for meetings or important gatherings.
The village area likely spread out on both sides of the river. Early surveys showed at least three levels of homes in the village. This means people lived there for a very long time.
Another interesting feature was a large platform in the southeastern part of the site. It showed signs of buildings on top of it. The artifacts found here were from the Lamar period, a later time.
Ancient Food Storage and Rituals
Archaeologists also uncovered storage pits filled with burned corn and beans. These pits seemed to be for rituals, not just for storing food. The burned materials were carefully placed in the pits. This was different from a fire that would destroy a whole village.
A large, flat area of pure sand was found at the southern edge of the site. Experts believe this might have been a public dance floor. This idea is supported by the Cherokee tradition of "stomp-dances."
Older Structures Beneath the Mound
Later excavations in the 1970s found three earth lodges. These were central buildings with others on their sides. They were located underneath the main mound. This means they were much older than the mound itself.
There was also evidence that these lodges were rebuilt and reused many times. This happened before the large central mound was constructed.
When Did People Live at Bell Field?
Based on the artifacts found, people lived at the Bell Field site for a long time. The earliest signs of life date back to about 1000 AD. The site was likely used until around 1700 AD. No European trade goods were found, which tells us the site was abandoned before Europeans arrived in large numbers.
Early Inhabitants: Savannah Period
The oldest parts of the site are the earth lodges found under the main mound. These are thought to be from the Savannah Period. This early period is known for its unique pottery and mound building.
Later Inhabitants: Dallas and Lamar Cultures
The main parts of the site, including the core mound and village, show continuous use. Artifacts from the Dallas culture were found, and later, more artifacts from the Lamar culture appeared. This means the site was active during the time of Hernando de Soto's explorations in the 1500s. It continued to be used until the early 1700s.
Who Were These People?
Archaeologists believe the Dallas culture artifacts are linked to the Coosa Upper Creek people. This idea comes from the site's location and similar finds elsewhere. The Lamar culture artifacts are thought to be related to the Cherokee people. This is based on historical records and the geography of the area.
The possible dance floor at the site also supports the idea of Cherokee occupation. Stomp-dances were an important part of Cherokee culture. The flat, compact sand area could have been created by these dances.
Another important activity at Bell Field was ritual burning. This seems to have happened when buildings were rebuilt. This is clear from the layers found in the main mound and nearby buildings.
