Macon in Bibb County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cornfield Mound and Prehistoric Trenches
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 13, 2023
1. Cornfield Mound and Prehistoric Trenches Marker
Cornfield Mound and Prehistoric Trenches
During the excavation of the Cornfield Mound, archeologists discovered charred corncobs and a layer of rolling topsoil under the mound. The parallel rows indicated a cultivated field used by the Mississippians; who were master farmers growing corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, and tobacco. The cornfield may have been used for ceremonial purposes, because crops were usually grown near the river. Archeologists believe that the location was used for a field and later covered to create a mound.
During the excavation, trenches were found near the cornfield mound. The trenches form two parallel interconnected depressions measuring 3 to 9 feet in depth and 15 to 25 feet wide. The trenches were found to be prehistoric, but their use is unknown. Archeologists believe that the trenches could have been used as a defensive barrier, or borrowing pits for mound building. After the excavation, the trenches were only partially back filled. Today, the trenches remain in sections of oval depressions in semicircular bands.
Captions
Charred Corncobs Dated between 900-1200
Prehistoric Trenches 1935
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture
this page online
Location. 32° 50.475′ N, 83° 36.308′ W. Marker is in Macon, Georgia, in Bibb County. It can be reached from Park path south of Ocmulgee National Park Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1207 Emery Hwy, Macon GA 31217, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ocmulgee's Earth Lodge - America's Oldest Ceremonial Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); The "Iron Horse" devastates the mounds (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) 1933-1942 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 17,000 Years of Continuous Human Habitation (about 500 feet away); Yaupon Holly (about 500 feet away); Paleo Indian Period 15000 B.C.E. - 8000 B.C.E. (about 600 feet away); Ocmulgee National Monument (about 600 feet away); The Dunlap House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Macon.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 13, 2023
2. Cornfield Mound and Prehistoric Trenches and Marker
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, November 13, 2023
3. Cornfield Mound and Prehistoric Trenches Marker, behind the Earth Lodge
The featured marker can be seen in the distance to the west behind the Earth Lodge.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
