Bussell Island, Archaeological site and river island in Loudon County, Tennessee.
Bussell Island is a river island located where the Little Tennessee River meets the Tennessee River in Loudon County, Tennessee. The site sits at an elevation of about 813 feet and is now surrounded by water created by the Tellico Dam.
Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto encountered the Native American Coste people on this island during his 1540 expedition through Tennessee. This encounter marked an early point of contact between European explorers and indigenous communities in the region.
Archaeological excavations in 1887 uncovered multiple burial mounds, pottery fragments, and glass beads, revealing evidence of indigenous settlements spanning different periods.
The island is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and accessible through the area near Tellico Dam. Because the site is now surrounded by water, visitors should check current access conditions before planning a visit.
Excavations conducted in 1887 uncovered burial mounds, pottery fragments, and glass beads revealing evidence of multiple settlement periods on the island. These discoveries provide insight into the different populations that inhabited the area over centuries.
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