Castalian Springs Mound Site

Castalian Springs Mound Site is an archaeological site in Sumner County containing several earthen mounds, with the largest platform mound stretching about 200 feet long and 11 feet high. The location occupies around 133 acres and preserves the remains of structures that once served important functions for the settlement.

Native Americans constructed this settlement between 1150 and 1350 CE, building it into a regional center for governance and community gatherings. The construction and development of these mounds reflects how societies in this era organized themselves around important gathering places.

The artifacts found here include stone statues, engraved shell ornaments, and ceremonial objects that reveal how the Mississippian people organized their spiritual life and created art. Walking through the site, you can sense the connection between the physical structures and the rituals that took place within them.

The site is open to visitors, though active archaeological work conducted by Middle Tennessee State University may be happening during certain times of the year. Visiting during dry weather is recommended because the mounds and surrounding ground can be challenging to walk across when wet.

Mineral springs lie just below the surface here, which the ancient inhabitants used as a source of salt, a valuable commodity for preserving food and trading. This natural resource likely influenced where the settlement was built and made it an important spot in the region's network.