Fewkes Group Archaeological Site

The Fewkes Group is a 15-acre archaeological complex in Tennessee containing five earthen mounds arranged around a central plaza, with remains of ancient houses and burial areas visible throughout the site. The layout and construction of these mounds reveal how the community organized its sacred and everyday spaces.

The site was occupied by Mississippian culture people between 1050 and 1475 AD, as revealed by archaeological investigations beginning in 1920 under William E. Myer's direction. This long timespan shows that the community thrived at this location across several centuries.

The people who lived here built round houses and used two different ways to bury their dead: some were placed in stone boxes in a flexed position, while others lay extended in rectangular stone graves. These burial practices suggest different spiritual beliefs and social divisions within the community.

The site is located at the intersection of Moores Lane and Wilson Pike within Primm Historic Park and is easy to reach by car. Nearby you will find the Boiling Spring Academy from 1823, making it possible to visit both historical places during the same trip.

The largest ceremonial mound reaches about 25 feet (7.5 meters) in height and shows multiple construction phases, including remains of a structure called Sacred Image House. This layered design reveals that the mound was rebuilt and renewed by different generations over time.

Location: Tennessee

GPS coordinates: 35.96680,-86.77630

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05