Native American Pyramid Sits Hidden
Archaeologist: State Looks To Provide More Access To Historic Sites
POSTED: 4:50 pm CST February 29,
2008
UPDATED: 2:50 pm CST December 28,
2008
PEGRAM, Tenn. -- A little-know Native American pyramid has some questioning the state's role in preserving and showcasing Tennessee's history.
Video: Native American Pyramid Sits Hidden From PublicChannel 4 got a glimpse of the historic site on Friday."It was a fabulous site. We're looking at a city on celebration days, equinox days, that there could have been 5,000 to 8,000 Native Americans here from all over the area," said Mark Tolley of the Ancient Sites Conservancy.For 500 years, the site was one of the most important ancient Native American villages in Tennessee."The big temple mound is a four-sided truncated pyramid. That means it's flat on the top, and there was a structure there," said Tolley.At the top of the pyramid there is a 1,000-year-old petroglyph etched into the stone."This is a carving of a ceremonial mace. This was the symbol of the power of the ruler," said Tolley.In just the past decade, the state of Tennessee has bought and saved several ancient Native American sites, but this site was purchased more than 30 years ago.The state has all these wonderful sites, but some members of the public wonder when the average resident will get access."Some of it comes down just to political will. Saving the site and keeping it intact for perpetuity is great, but opening it up to proper public access, I think, is paramount," said Tolley.State archaeologist Mike Moore said Tennessee is making all of the purchased sites more accessible, but in a low-key, thoughtful way.He said it is very easy to destroy these treasures, but the state said there are more tours, parking and plans for all of the Native American sites.Those interested in the preservation efforts of the Ancient Sites Conservancy can e-mail Tolley at tolleymm@yahoo.com Popular Slideshows On WSMV.com: Slideshow: Red-Hot Redheaded Celebrity Women Slideshow: Celebrities Commit Fashion Faux Pas Slideshow: Great Weather Photos
Video: Native American Pyramid Sits Hidden From PublicChannel 4 got a glimpse of the historic site on Friday."It was a fabulous site. We're looking at a city on celebration days, equinox days, that there could have been 5,000 to 8,000 Native Americans here from all over the area," said Mark Tolley of the Ancient Sites Conservancy.For 500 years, the site was one of the most important ancient Native American villages in Tennessee."The big temple mound is a four-sided truncated pyramid. That means it's flat on the top, and there was a structure there," said Tolley.At the top of the pyramid there is a 1,000-year-old petroglyph etched into the stone."This is a carving of a ceremonial mace. This was the symbol of the power of the ruler," said Tolley.In just the past decade, the state of Tennessee has bought and saved several ancient Native American sites, but this site was purchased more than 30 years ago.The state has all these wonderful sites, but some members of the public wonder when the average resident will get access."Some of it comes down just to political will. Saving the site and keeping it intact for perpetuity is great, but opening it up to proper public access, I think, is paramount," said Tolley.State archaeologist Mike Moore said Tennessee is making all of the purchased sites more accessible, but in a low-key, thoughtful way.He said it is very easy to destroy these treasures, but the state said there are more tours, parking and plans for all of the Native American sites.Those interested in the preservation efforts of the Ancient Sites Conservancy can e-mail Tolley at tolleymm@yahoo.com Popular Slideshows On WSMV.com: Slideshow: Red-Hot Redheaded Celebrity Women Slideshow: Celebrities Commit Fashion Faux Pas Slideshow: Great Weather Photos Copyright 2008 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.
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