Carlston Annis Shell Mound, Archaeological site in Butler County, Kentucky, United States.
Carlston Annis Shell Mound is a prehistoric ridge on the eastern side of the Green River built up from compressed shells and debris left by ancient inhabitants. The site consists of distinct layers containing remnants of tools, bones, and countless shells accumulated over centuries of occupation.
Archaeologists from the University of Kentucky conducted excavations in 1939 that revealed how long the site had been occupied. The findings showed that people returned to this location repeatedly across many centuries to make their homes and gather resources.
The mound reflects how river communities used shells and local materials in their daily work long before written history. Layers of shells and scattered objects show the connection these people had to the water and the resources around them.
The site is now private agricultural land but remains protected and can be visited with permission from the landowner. Wear sturdy shoes and bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months when the riverside location attracts more bugs.
What makes the site noteworthy is that skeletal remains provide rare insight into how difficult life was in ancient times. Physical marks on bones tell stories of injuries and hardships that shaped the daily reality of those communities.
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