Located in Harpeth River State Park, Mace Bluff is a difficult to find trail that leads to a bluff overlooking Mound Bottom and the Harpeth River. The draw is a 1600 year old petroglyph left by the Mississippean Indians of a mace and several scalp locks. The site was more than likely ceremonial, but it is very impressive as the view of Mound Bottom is picturesque from the overlook. You can see the image of the mace in the bottom of the picture. This hike was taken in conjunction with the park since a local archeologist took us to the site. I never would have been able to find the site otherwise. The path is very steep but not very far from the road.
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It was a freezing cold day, but I joined a group in Lebanon touring the Sellar's Farm Archeological site. The site is another Mississippean compound. There are many of them in Middle Tennessee from Mound Bottom on the Harpeth to Castillean Springs. Sellar's Farm is outside of Cedars of Lebanon State Park and has a walking trail but is not technically part of the park service. Sellar's Farm is not as impressive as Mound Bottom, but is more accessible since it can be toured without a park or Archeological Society employee. The farm was used for agricultural purposes, which disrupted some of the more impressive features that it may have had. Mound Bottom by comparison is more preserved. Our tour was with an Archeological Society employee. She was very well versed in information about the area and the Mississippean Indians. A very cold tour, but well worth the time.
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AuthorA librarian doing the travel. Archives
May 2024
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