Nikwasi, Archaeological site in Franklin, North Carolina.
The Nikwasi mound stands 6 meters tall and spans 30 meters in width and 50 meters in length at the heart of Franklin's historic district.
Native Americans constructed this earthen platform during the Mississippian period, approximately 1,000 years ago, establishing it as a central gathering place for the Cherokee Nation.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians maintains strong connections to this ancient mound, which served as a location for council meetings and ceremonial activities.
Visitors can access the National Register of Historic Places site year-round, with interpretive signs providing information about Cherokee heritage and archaeological significance.
The mound's precise orientation aligns with celestial bodies and solar positions, while its elevated position creates sightlines to neighboring Cherokee settlements and mountain peaks.
Location: North Carolina
GPS coordinates: 35.18330,-83.36670
Latest update: March 5, 2025 23:09
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