2011 Astronomy Season Begins at Town Creek Indian Mound

The astronomy season of 2011 at Town Creek Indian Mound will begin on Saturday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. The crisp, cold air of January nights offers some of the best viewing of the wintery skies above. And with a moonless night, the stars will shine even brighter for skywatchers.


The planet Jupiter will be the brightest “star” shining in the night sky near the constellation Pisces, the Fishes. Pisces is one of the oldest constellations in the sky and represents two fish fleeing, one toward the western horizon and one northward. When the Sun is positioned in the zodiacal constellation of Pisces, it signals the Vernal Equinox or first day of spring.


Monthly astronomy events at Town Creek Indian Mound are free and open to the public. Those interested in participating are encouraged to bring personal telescopes and binoculars. The site will have its own telescopes on hand for observation. Participants may bring blankets or chairs for outside viewing and are advised to dress for the weather.




For more than a thousand years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1000, a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western and southern Piedmont North Carolina, the Mississippian tradition spawned complex societies. Inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new form of religion.


In 1937, excavations began at Town Creek Indian Mound. Key features of the site were reconstructed, including the mound, two temple structures, a burial hut and surrounding stockade. Archaeologists’ excavations revealed that the mound at Town Creek was constructed over an early rectangular structure known as an “earth lodge.”


The mission of Town Creek Indian Mound is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits, as well as audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina’s only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Tour groups are welcome and encouraged.


The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.  It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.