Native Americans in Tennessee

Tennessee has been home to a number of Indian tribes over the years. The most notable tribe that called Tennessee home were the Cherokees. However there were tribes before them who inhabited the state long before the Cherokee and the early settlers got to Tennessee. These early Indian tribes, unlike the Cherokee buried their dead in mounds. This period is known as the Woodland Period. Most historians believe that these mounds were built not only for burying the dead, but for religious purposes as well. The above picture is one of the Pinson Mounds in Madison County, Tennessee. Historians believe that astronomy played a role in the location and function of the mounds. The Old Stone Fort Mounds in Manchester, Tennessee were also used for burial and religious purposes. The Old Stone Fort Mounds feature an entry way that allowed the Indians to go in and out of the mounds to pay their respects to the dead, and perform their religious ceremonies. The first Indians in Tennessee were the Paleo-Indians. They came to Tennessee to hunt and fish. It is unknown if they were the ones who built these mounds or not. The Urey Indians also were early settlers of Tennessee. They built their burial mounds in Jackson County, Tennessee. Most of these mounds are still in good shape. Mounds like the Pinson Mounds and the Old Stone Fort Mound have been made into parks by the state government. Others like the ones the Urey Indians built have not been preserved much, if not at all. Most of these are located on private property. It is important to remember that Indian Mounds are sacred and should be respected for future generations to enjoy.

Above is a picture of the entrance to the Old Stone Fort Mound.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond.