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Inside the Longhouse

Interesting find at the Biltmore Estate

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[quote][i]Originally posted by Gadget Girl[/i]
[br]You all know how I feel about Walmart...well, this came from Walmart news today....

[font=Andale Mono][purple][i]Look What They Found In North Carolina!

Archaeologists digging on the grounds of the opulent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina have found an American Indian mound that offers the most complete picture yet of the culture of a prehistoric people known as the Connestee, reports The Associated Press. The Connestee, who lived there between 200 and 400 A.D., may be the ancestors of the Cherokee tribe.

So far, they've found evidence of five different earthen floors and about three dozen postholes suggesting a series of large structures, about 75 to 80 feet in diameter, as well as fragments of tools, pottery, hunting weapons, and pieces of clay figurines. They've also found artifacts from the Hopewell Indians of southern Ohio, indicating the two tribes had a trade relationship. "This mound has the potential for answering the questions and writing the whole history of the time period," Biltmore landscape curator William Alexander told AP. "The reason we're focusing on this site is that it's so pure."

What really has the archaeologists excited is the dirt. The site, which measures 1,000 square feet, has multiple layers of dirt that are clearly stratified and distinguishable. Each layer--from mossy green to medium brown to orange to tan to dark brown to yellow--offers the trained eye valuable clues as to what happened at different points in the Connestee occupation. The dirt tells the real story. For example, the deepest layer is a yellow subsoil when the site was home to a Connestee village.

The excavation is taking place on what was once a cornfield next to the Swannanoa River. The mound is located near the intersection of two major American Indian trails, what AP describes as the prehistoric equivalent of interstate highways. It has survived this long because it was inside the sprawling and largely undeveloped Biltmore property, which is now a national historic landmark. Its 8,000 acres include agricultural fields, woodlands, and forested mountains, as well as the nation's first professionally managed forest. When George Vanderbilt constructed it as a country retreat, the landscape architect gave strict instructions that no Indian remains were to be disturbed.

Appalachian State University archaeologist Scott Shumate told AP that he thinks the large structure that's been found was a council house. "We can say as a tentative hypothesis that this was a council house," Shumate said. "People came from all surrounding villages for important ceremonies. It was the equivalent of a county seat. Maybe this place represents the social and spiritual center for a number of villages."

Only half the mound will be excavated, a process that will take another 10 years to complete. The other half will be left undisturbed for future archaeologists who may have new technologies and different questions.

--Cathryn Conroy[/i][/purple][/font=Andale Mono]
[/quote]

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T O P I C R E V I E W
Gadget Girl	Posted - July 19 2004 : 11:15:30 PM You all know how I feel about Walmart...well, this came from Walmart news today.... Look What They Found In North Carolina! Archaeologists digging on the grounds of the opulent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina have found an American Indian mound that offers the most complete picture yet of the culture of a prehistoric people known as the Connestee, reports The Associated Press. The Connestee, who lived there between 200 and 400 A.D., may be the ancestors of the Cherokee tribe. So far, they've found evidence of five different earthen floors and about three dozen postholes suggesting a series of large structures, about 75 to 80 feet in diameter, as well as fragments of tools, pottery, hunting weapons, and pieces of clay figurines. They've also found artifacts from the Hopewell Indians of southern Ohio, indicating the two tribes had a trade relationship. "This mound has the potential for answering the questions and writing the whole history of the time period," Biltmore landscape curator William Alexander told AP. "The reason we're focusing on this site is that it's so pure." What really has the archaeologists excited is the dirt. The site, which measures 1,000 square feet, has multiple layers of dirt that are clearly stratified and distinguishable. Each layer--from mossy green to medium brown to orange to tan to dark brown to yellow--offers the trained eye valuable clues as to what happened at different points in the Connestee occupation. The dirt tells the real story. For example, the deepest layer is a yellow subsoil when the site was home to a Connestee village. The excavation is taking place on what was once a cornfield next to the Swannanoa River. The mound is located near the intersection of two major American Indian trails, what AP describes as the prehistoric equivalent of interstate highways. It has survived this long because it was inside the sprawling and largely undeveloped Biltmore property, which is now a national historic landmark. Its 8,000 acres include agricultural fields, woodlands, and forested mountains, as well as the nation's first professionally managed forest. When George Vanderbilt constructed it as a country retreat, the landscape architect gave strict instructions that no Indian remains were to be disturbed. Appalachian State University archaeologist Scott Shumate told AP that he thinks the large structure that's been found was a council house. "We can say as a tentative hypothesis that this was a council house," Shumate said. "People came from all surrounding villages for important ceremonies. It was the equivalent of a county seat. Maybe this place represents the social and spiritual center for a number of villages." Only half the mound will be excavated, a process that will take another 10 years to complete. The other half will be left undisturbed for future archaeologists who may have new technologies and different questions. --Cathryn Conroy
15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Many Flags	Posted - July 22 2004 : 07:14:18 AM Bookworm.....since I have been on that long trek and just got back, I was interested in some new people....saw your question about SprawlMart and checked your bio.....Carlisle, huh? Seems like we are neighbors, me being just to the east of a you a few miles and we are fighting the good fight over here in Dilltown, along with me fighting a huge development going up in my backyard. Do you go to McClain Celtic Festival?.... My cousin the 1st Sjt. will be there with the 42nd Grenadiers......Pax Aye! (also...Snyder County? My aged parents live right up the road, I lived in Hummels Wharf for years, grew up around Lewisburg and Danville!!) MANY FLAGS
richfed	Posted - July 22 2004 : 05:19:54 AM Hmmm ... you're right, WW. That was a long time ago. Seems like yesterday. I had thought it was this past February. Anyway, Kate, I guess that's why I never even gave it a thought ... not even while we were at Biltmore in June - twas way too long ago, buried in the dark recesses of my mind. Oh well ...
Kate	Posted - July 21 2004 : 4:09:14 PM Okay, R... WHY DIDN'T YOU persuade them to give us a GRAND TOUR around that site, then???? Was I around when Vincent posted that?? Don't believe I was...
Wilderness Woman	Posted - July 21 2004 : 08:29:04 AM Good Heavens, Sachem, that was a year and a half ago! You expect us (especially this old foggie) to remember a post that far back??? (Sorry Vincent!)
richfed	Posted - July 21 2004 : 05:11:16 AM Shame! Shame! Posted by Vincent in February: Biltmore Burial Mound
Kate	Posted - July 20 2004 : 10:46:47 PM OOOOOOOOOOOhhhh!!!! WHAT BAD TIMING!!! I wish they had found this evidence a little sooner! We might have had a chance to see some of the 'dig', while at the Biltmore during the Gathering, if the timing had been better!!! HOWSEVER... this is a FABULOUS find, isn't it!!! THANKS for sharing this, Di!!
Wilderness Woman	Posted - July 20 2004 : 9:52:03 PM Ah-h-h-h-h... I did not know that, CT-R. It's still amazing to me. I would think that many archaeologists would want to keep going to gain all of the glory for themselves. It's refreshing to know that there is at least one field of professionals out there that is not that way. GG, thanks for the explanation. You did have me puzzled. I didn't even know that Walmart had an ISP service available.
Theresa	Posted - July 20 2004 : 9:07:22 PM quote: Originally posted by Fitz Williams Hey Theresa. I just heard there is a dig going on at Fort Toulouse, or more properly, Fort Jackson. Have you heard anything about that? Hey Fitz If it's the same one I know about, I was down there a couple of summers ago while it was taking place. Seems they've discovered a French Colonial dwelling. I haven't been back in a while to see how much more they've uncovered since I was there last. Next time you're there, it's off to the left of Fort Jackson, if you're facing it, toward the river.
Jayne	Posted - July 20 2004 : 6:03:42 PM Fascinating news story, Diana. Thank goodness the site was at the Biltmore, though. Otherwise a Walmart might have been built on top of it!! Jayne
Gadget Girl	Posted - July 20 2004 : 10:32:05 AM quote: P.S. Forgive this newbie's ignorance, GG, but -- how do you feel about Walmart? quote: And I would add: What exactly does Walmart have to do with this project?? Being the Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets causes me to be a frequent shopper at Walmart - I AM A GADGET-AHOLIC - OK THERE, I've confessed ...and Walmart has lots of gadgets! I have to be very careful about wandering into a Walmart as my bank account is severely allergic to Walmart! BUT...but...I love Wally World - ESPECIALLY SUPER WALLY WORLD. Truthfully, I hate to shop and I like to get everything in one place and THAT is the real draw of Walmart to me. Dinner and Gadgets and underwear, all in one place! I also have Walmart Connect as my ISP at home - LOVE IT! $9.95 /month. They have a little factoid page that pops up on connection, and that is where I found this info. No connection to the project really. GG
CT•Ranger	Posted - July 20 2004 : 09:56:58 AM quote: Originally posted by Wilderness Woman I am especially impressed with the statement about half of the area being left untouched for future excavations. That is amazingly unselfish! It's really quite common amongst archaeologists. The only time a site is completely excavated (destroyed) is if it's threatened by destruction, ie a strip mall, highway, housing development etc.
Wilderness Woman	Posted - July 20 2004 : 08:45:30 AM quote: Originally posted by Bookworm Forgive this newbie's ignorance, GG, but -- how do you feel about Walmart? And I would add: What exactly does Walmart have to do with this project?? This is a wonderful find! I am especially impressed with the statement about half of the area being left untouched for future excavations. That is amazingly unselfish!
Fitz Williams	Posted - July 20 2004 : 08:20:27 AM Hey Theresa. I just heard there is a dig going on at Fort Toulouse, or more properly, Fort Jackson. Have you heard anything about that?
Theresa	Posted - July 20 2004 : 08:03:05 AM That is absolutely fascinating, GG! Perhaps there really is "burial ground" there afterall.
Bookworm	Posted - July 20 2004 : 07:25:53 AM Fascinating news! It's amazing to think that through discoveries like this, we'll continue to learn more about people who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago. P.S. Forgive this newbie's ignorance, GG, but -- how do you feel about Walmart?

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