Turk Site, Archaeological site in Carlisle County, Kentucky, US.
The Turk Site is an archaeological settlement in Kentucky with several platform mounds arranged around a central plaza on an elevated area. This 2.5 hectare location sits near the Mississippi River floodplain where ancient people built their community structures.
This settlement was established around 1100 CE and served as a regional administrative center until around 1500 CE during the Mississippian cultural period. Early investigations began in 1888, with major research analysis published in the 1980s that deepened understanding of the site.
This Mississippian settlement was organized around ceremonial spaces where residents gathered, with mounds and plazas forming the heart of community life. The layout reflects how people structured their settlements to bring groups together for shared activities and gatherings.
The site sits on elevated terrain in a remote area, so wear sturdy shoes and prepare for uneven ground. Research local guides or visitor information ahead of time, as the location may have limited on-site facilities or signage.
The geography of this location created a surprisingly compact regional center despite holding the same administrative importance as much larger Mississippian settlements elsewhere. This tight arrangement on the elevated ridge shows how communities adapted their organization to fit their physical environment.
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