Historic Site
(770) 387-3747
Winner of Cartersville's 2007 People's Choice Awards
Home to several thousand Native Americans between 1000 A.D. to 1550 A.D., this 54-acre site contains six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, borrow pits and defensive ditch. This is the most intact Mississippian Culture site in the Southeastern United States.
While only nine percent of this site has been excavated, examination at Mound C and surrounding artifacts revealed much about the people who lived here more than 500 years ago. The Etowah Indian Mounds symbolize a society rich in ritual. Towering over the community, the 63-foot flat-topped earthen knoll was likely used as a platform for the home of the priest-chief. In another mound, nobility were buried in elaborate costumes accompanied by items they would need in their after-lives. Today, visitors may tour the museum where exhibits interpret daily life in the once self-sufficient community.
Many artifacts show how the natives of this political and religious center decorated themselves with shell beads, tattoos, paint, complicated hairdos, feathers and copper ear ornaments. Well-preserved stone effigies and objects made of wood, sea shells and stone are also displayed. A nature trail leads to the Etowah River and winds through the forest, showcasing how early civilizations used native trees.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday 2-5:30PM; Closed Monday (except holidays), Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For a more enjoyable visit, plan to spend 1-2 hours.
Admission: $2.50-$5.
Group rates available with advance notice.
Bus parking available.
Archaeological Institute of America Article
Etowah's Wattle & Daub House
Teacher's Resource for Touring Historic Sites
The Etowah Dugout Canoe
Archaeology at Etowah 2005-2007
"Destination Etowah" - (Summer 2008 newsletter)
FACILITIES:
- 6 Earthen Mounds
- Museum
- Gift Shop
- 20 Picnic Tables
- Riverside Benches
- Bus Parking
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
OTHER:
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Note: Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site has no reservable facilities.
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Events
Artifact Identification Day
Saturday, Mar 21, 2009 10 AM - 4 PM
| A professional archaeologist will be available to date and identify artifacts brought in by visitors. $2.50-$5. 770-387-3747. |
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Great Etowah Adventure
Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 10 AM - 4 PM
| Join us for demonstrations of native peoples skills. Contribute to the Friends of Etowah with a delicious barbecue in the picnic area. 770-387-3747. |
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Native Grasses and Wildflower Nature Walk
Saturday, May 23, 2009 1:30 AM - 4 PM
| Join experts as we identify various native grasses and flowers. $2.50-$5 770-387-3747. |
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Day of Discovery at Etowah
Saturday, Jun 6, 2009 10 AM - 4 PM
| Recent findings at Etowah Indian Mounds will be discussed by site archaeologists Adam King and Kent Reilly. $2.50-$5. 770-387-3747. |
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Junior Ranger Day Camp
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Jun 16, 2009 until Jun 18, 2009
| This three-day camp for ages 9-12 includes a snake program, dig boxes for junior archaeologists and nature walks. Campers will work toward earning a Junior Ranger badge. Register in advance. $15. 770-387-3747. |
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Indian Flute and Dancing
Saturday, Jun 27, 2009 10 AM - 4 PM
| Cherokee artist Tommy Wildcat will perform a flute concert. Dancers and drummers will provide entertainment throughout the day while inviting participation from the public. Wear your dancing shoes. $2.50-$5. 770-387-3747. |
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Flint Knapping
Saturday, Aug 29, 2009 10 AM - 4 PM
| Flintknapping is the making of projectile points from different types of stone. See demonstrations of this ancient art. $2.50-$5. 770-387-3747. |
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Lecture Series: Georgia's Indian Heritage
Saturday, Sep 12, 2009 2:30 PM - 4 PM
| Lecture by noted historian, Dr. Max White, on prehistoric Creek and Cherokee Indians of north Georgia. 2.50-5. 770-387-3747. |
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Skills of the Past
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 10 AM - 4 PM
| Weaponry, flintknapping, basketweaving and pottery-making -- all crafts essential to the survival of the Native Americans of the Southeast -- will be demonstrated. $2.50-$5. 770-387-3747. |
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Torch Light Tour of the Ancient City
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
| Step back into ancient times as you walk along a torch-lit path and illuminated mounds. The 3/4-mile tour includes walking 134 steps to the top of 67-feet-high Mound A, the temple mound of the Etowah chief. $2.50-$5. 770-387-3747. |
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