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     Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site

Historic Site (770) 387-3747

NOTICE: Etowah Indian Mounds is now open Thursday-Saturday only.
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: Thursday-Saturday / 9AM-5PM
Closed 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 2009 newsletter ~ pdf)
FACILITIES:
  • 6 Earthen Mounds
  • Museum
  • Gift Shop
  • 20 Picnic Tables
  • Riverside Benches
  • Bus Parking

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:

OTHER:


  Note: Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site has no reservable facilities.  

Events
Get Outdoors Georgia Torch Light Tour of the Ancient City
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 7:30 PM to 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.

  Address/Directions
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site
813 Indian Mounds Rd., S.W.
Cartersville , GA 30120

Located 5 miles southwest of I-75 exit #288. Follow brown directional signs.

 
 
Make reservations using the options above or call 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
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