Shiloh Indian Mounds
The historic landmark area on
the Shiloh battlefield includes
six ancient mounds.
The historic landmark area on
the Shiloh battlefield includes
six ancient mounds.
Shiloh Indian Mounds - Shiloh, Tennessee
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Shiloh Indian Mounds, Tennessee
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Shiloh Indian Mounds, Tennessee
| Shiloh Indian Mounds The large flat-topped mounds at Shiloh National Military Park are now a national historic landmark. |
A National Historic Landmark
Located on the historic Shiloh battlefield at
Shiloh National Military Park, the Shiloh
Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark
preserves the central site of an important
Native American village dating back more
than 800 years.
Dating from the Mississippian era, the Shiloh
Indian Mounds complex consists of six
rectangular platform mounds and an oval
burial mound where individuals of high
status were laid to rest. The town and
ceremonial site was the centerpiece of what
archaeologists call the Shiloh Chiefdom,
although it is not known what the people who
occupied this site once called themselves.
Please click here to see an early map of the
site.
In addition to the Shiloh Indian Mounds, the
chiefdom included at least six smaller sites
with one or two mounds each.
The Shiloh site is unique for several
reasons. First, it has never been plowed and
as a result the mounds retain much of their
original pyramidal shapes. Second, the site
has long been preserved as part of Shiloh
National Military Park and as a result the
cultural deposits and artifacts there have
also been preserved largely intact and
protected from looting. Third, the site is one
of few in the United States where surface
remains of prehistoric houses can still be
seen.
In addition to the large mounds, a number of
low rises can be seen dotting the grounds of
the site. Archaeologists have determined that
these were formed by debris from houses
that stood in the village more than 800 years
ago. Some of these rises appear as low
mounds while others look like rings of earth.
The rings were formed by the collapsed
walls of the Indian houses.
In addition, the site was once surrounded by
a strong fortification made of vertical posts
into which smaller branches were weaved.
The entire palisade was then coated with
clay or "daub." The trace of this wall can still
be seen today as well, a visible feature that is
relatively rare at such sites.
Shiloh National Military Park, the Shiloh
Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark
preserves the central site of an important
Native American village dating back more
than 800 years.
Dating from the Mississippian era, the Shiloh
Indian Mounds complex consists of six
rectangular platform mounds and an oval
burial mound where individuals of high
status were laid to rest. The town and
ceremonial site was the centerpiece of what
archaeologists call the Shiloh Chiefdom,
although it is not known what the people who
occupied this site once called themselves.
Please click here to see an early map of the
site.
In addition to the Shiloh Indian Mounds, the
chiefdom included at least six smaller sites
with one or two mounds each.
The Shiloh site is unique for several
reasons. First, it has never been plowed and
as a result the mounds retain much of their
original pyramidal shapes. Second, the site
has long been preserved as part of Shiloh
National Military Park and as a result the
cultural deposits and artifacts there have
also been preserved largely intact and
protected from looting. Third, the site is one
of few in the United States where surface
remains of prehistoric houses can still be
seen.
In addition to the large mounds, a number of
low rises can be seen dotting the grounds of
the site. Archaeologists have determined that
these were formed by debris from houses
that stood in the village more than 800 years
ago. Some of these rises appear as low
mounds while others look like rings of earth.
The rings were formed by the collapsed
walls of the Indian houses.
In addition, the site was once surrounded by
a strong fortification made of vertical posts
into which smaller branches were weaved.
The entire palisade was then coated with
clay or "daub." The trace of this wall can still
be seen today as well, a visible feature that is
relatively rare at such sites.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Unfortunately, the Shiloh Indian Mounds are
threatened to some degree by erosion from
the Tennessee River which flows along the
eastern edge of the site. As a result, the
National Park Service has carried out
extensive archaeological work at the site to
preserve information that was in danger of
being lost.
The Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic
Landmark is located just south of Pittsburg
Landing in the Shiloh National Military Park.
The mounds are open to the public daily from
dawn until dusk. Please click here to learn
more about the site or follow the links below
for more information on Shiloh battlefield.
threatened to some degree by erosion from
the Tennessee River which flows along the
eastern edge of the site. As a result, the
National Park Service has carried out
extensive archaeological work at the site to
preserve information that was in danger of
being lost.
The Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic
Landmark is located just south of Pittsburg
Landing in the Shiloh National Military Park.
The mounds are open to the public daily from
dawn until dusk. Please click here to learn
more about the site or follow the links below
for more information on Shiloh battlefield.
Interpretive Shelter
The shelter provides displays
outlining the significance of
the Shiloh Indian Mounds
National Historic Landmark.
The shelter provides displays
outlining the significance of
the Shiloh Indian Mounds
National Historic Landmark.
Tennessee River
The river provided food and
transportation for the people
who lived at Shiloh Mounds,
but its erosion also threatens
to destroy parts of the site.
The river provided food and
transportation for the people
who lived at Shiloh Mounds,
but its erosion also threatens
to destroy parts of the site.
Return to the Shiloh Battlefield Main
Page
Photos of Shiloh Battlefield
Shiloh National Cemetery
Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center
Books about the Battle of Shiloh
Forts and Battlefields of the South
Explore other Southern Historic Sites
Page
Photos of Shiloh Battlefield
Shiloh National Cemetery
Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center
Books about the Battle of Shiloh
Forts and Battlefields of the South
Explore other Southern Historic Sites
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