Cartersville in Bartow County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Mound B and Structure 3

— Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

1. Mound B and Structure 3 Marker

Inscription. Archaeological excavations show that Mound B's first two construction phases took place during Etowah's Late Etowah Period (A.D. 1100 to 1200). This construction resulted in a small platform mound about one half of its final size. After a short period when the site was abandoned, construction continued on Mound B from A.D. 1250 to 1325. Mound building increased the footprint of the mound to the north and structures were built on its summit.

Archaeologists discovered the remains of a structure along Mound B's western periphery and named it Structure 3. This structure appears to be a series of rebuilt circular buildings, approximately 42 feet in diameter. The circular ring of posts and changes in soil texture and color led archaeologists to believe that the building's central portion was devoid of posts, served as a hearth, and had no roof. A six-inch-wide trench extended from the central hearth westward out of the structure entrance. This trench most likely, drained off liquids used to extinguish the hearth fire. Other evidence suggests an open-walled, shed-like structure. A palisade surrounded Structure 3 and the surrounding area.

Structure 3 probably served as a special functions site associated with a restricted, and probably elite, segment of Etowah's society. It appears that this structure was burned and rebuilt

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with each new construction effort at Mound B. During the height of Etowah's occupation, about A.D. 1325 to 1375, a terrace was built over Structure 3 and a new rectangular building (Structure 4) was constructed on this terrace. Archaeologists believe Structure 4 served Etowah's people in the same manner as Structure 3.

(caption) Archaeological drawing of post pattern for Structure 3
Sketch of Structure 3

Erected by Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1100.

Location. 34° 7.489′ N, 84° 48.406′ W. Marker is in Cartersville, Georgia, in Bartow County. It can be reached from Indian Mounds Road SE 0.2 miles south of Sequoyah Circle, on the left when traveling south. Located on the grounds of Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 813 Indian Mounds Road SE, Cartersville GA 30120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. 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 original Cherokee Nation,

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: Mound A - Symbol of a Chiefdom (within shouting distance of this marker); Etowah’s Past, Present, and Future (within shouting distance of this marker); Mound C - Ceremonial Mortuary

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Mound B and Structure 3 Marker

(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Etowah’s River Cane (about 600 feet away); A Chiefly Village on the Etowah (about 700 feet away); A Return to Native Grasses (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Defensive Ditch/Borrow Pit (approx. 0.2 miles away); Etowah’s Wattle and Daub House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cartersville.

Also see . . . Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. (Submitted on July 1, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.