Excavation

(Turkey Creek Mound and Village) The Turkey Creek site is one of less than two dozen mounds of aboriginal origin in the state of South Carolina. The mound was built in three, or possibly more, stages. Associated with one of the latter construction stages is a one-foot thick layer of fired earth and charred timbers. From what we know of other mounds in this region, this probably represents the remains of a structure that once stood on the mound summit. Before the next stage was added, this structure burned, thus preserving much of the construction detail which would have been otherwise lost. Pottery from the site is clearly related to the Lamar ceramics complex of Georgia and the Irene complex from the lower Savannah River. Judging from the ceramics, the Turkey Creek mound and village were probably inhabited during the late prehistoric and early historic periods. While the mound is the most imposing feature of the site, the associated village should provide valuable insights into the day-to-day activities of the people. Listed in the National Register March 23, 1972.

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