McMahan Mound Site

The platform mound rises 16 feet high and extends 240 feet wide above the confluence of West Fork and Little Pigeon rivers in Sevier County.

Initial excavations at the site began in 1881 under William H. Holmes from the Smithsonian Institution when the land belonged to the McMahan family.

The excavated artifacts include arrow points, marble pipes, pottery, engraved shell gorgets with Birdmen designs, and ceremonial objects from the Mississippian culture.

The archaeological site contains evidence of a large village surrounded by a protective palisade, indicating advanced construction methods of Native American settlements.

Glass beads and brass pins found at the site demonstrate the interaction between Native Americans and European settlers during the contact period.

Location: Tennessee

GPS coordinates: 35.86390,-83.56770

Latest update: March 8, 2025 17:57