Ingomar Mound Archaeology Expo set Oct. 11, brings archaeologists and more

 

The Ingomar Mound Archaeology Expo is set for Saturday Oct. 11, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the site at 1113 CR 96. This site is a Mississippi Landmark and one of the oldest man made sites in Union County.

“We are excited to partner with the Mississippi Archaeological Association and the Archaeological Conservancy for this celebration of the annual Archaeology Month in October, “

There will be a Native American Food Truck, demonstration of weapons, identification of artifacts and more at this event, which is free and open to the public, weather permitting.

Bring the family and enjoy a fall Saturday. The monarch butterflies are migrating and this is a studied butterfly migration site because of native plants at the site. There is a one mile walking path around the site for those looking for exercise.

This Middle Woodland site was first studied in the 1880s by the Smithsonian Institution. Later research by Mississippi State’s Cobb Institute shows that the large mound is carbon dated to being built 2500 years ago, said Smith.

Imagine life here in this area really before the development of agriculture – these Woodland Cultures coming together to build a monument of this size. The quadrangular mound is more than an acre in size and was quite an undertaking for a prehistoric culture. There are objects from the Smithsonian Collection on exhibit at the museum, Smith said.

Eventually there were from 12 to 13 mounds at this site that now covers 63 acres. It once was enclosed with a fence. Most of the smaller mounds were destroyed by agriculture.

The site, once owned by the Birchfield Family, was sold to the Archaeological Conservancy who saves such sites, in about 2004-5. The Union County Heritage Museum partnered with the Conservancy in 2009.

With an Appalachian Regional Commission grant and help from the Union County Board of Supervisors and local volunteers, signage, a parking lot for the site, a walking path and other improvements have been added.

Recently the Ingomar Baptist Church Men’s Brotherhood Group rebuilt the steps up the mound, where there is an outdoor classroom.

The mound site attracts visitors from all over the world and is included on All Trails as well as other outdoor aps.

The event on October 11 is free to the public. Consider bringing insect spray and water and come and enjoy this celebration of the archaeology of this community. Bring your artifacts for identification.

For more information call the museum at (662) 538-0014 or email uchm@ucheritagemuseum.com.

 

Jill N. Smith, Director
Union County Heritage Museum & Faulkner Garden
114 Cleveland St.
New Albany, MS 38652
662-538-0014