26 February 2009

Lake Jackson Mounds

This is the Lake Jackson mounds site, on the northern edgeof the Talahassee area. The site consists of six arthen temple mounds, two of which can be visited. There is evidence that the Lake Jackson Indians participated in a southeastern socio-religous complex known to archaeologists as the Southern Cult or Southeastern Ceremonial Complex, which flurished around 1200 AD. It is believed that the society had a well organized political system with tribal leaders residing in regional centers, such as this one. The remains of important tribal members have been found here with burial objects such as copper breast plates, shell beaded necklaces, braclets, anklets, and cloaks. These indicate trading ties with other major pre-historic settlements throughout the southeast. They traded shell beads and tools, as well as salt and shark teeth, in exchange for copper, soapstone, and mica

This site was abandoned around 1500 AD for unknown reasons. Descendants of the residents here met members of the De Soto expedition in 1540.

When I came here before in 2003, there was a large orange sign here that said "Water not fit for consumption, do not drink." Since the sign is nolonger here, does that mean it's now safe? *shudders*

It is hard to imagine how the site would have looked, as erosion and vandalism have taken their toll on the mounds, and plants have overgrown the site as well.



The people here are knwon to have hunted deer, turkeys, turtles, fish, and other small game using spears, bow and arrows, traps and snares. They also grew corn, beans and squash, as well as gathering berries and roots. They built small, simple houses of natural materials, but did most activities outdoors.

No comments: