Last updated: January 11, 2024
Place
Bynum Mounds, Milepost 232.4
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 232.4
Significance:
American Indian Mound Site
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places
Amenities
3 listed
Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible
Bynum Mounds is the oldest mound site along Natchez Trace Parkway. These mounds were created by American Indians in what was known as the Middle Woodland Period between 100 BCE-100 CE. The mounds range in height from 5-feet to 14-feet.
Originally, there were six mounds at this site. However, in the 1940's five of them were excavated by National Park Service archeologists. The two largest mounds were rebuilt. These mounds acted as epicenters for ceremonial and religious activities for the American Indians who built them. Exotic trade goods and other artifacts were uncovered in the excavations which gives evidence to a vast and varying trade network throughout the southeast.
Today, the spirit of Bynum Mounds remains strong. Over a span of 2,000 years, American Indian people have felt a powerful bond with this culturally significant site. Descendants of the mound builders, like the Chickasaw, still return here to their homeland to reconnect with their culture and ancestors.
A paved accessible, 200-foot path loops around the site past the mounds, next to the forest, and through the interpretive shelter.
Originally, there were six mounds at this site. However, in the 1940's five of them were excavated by National Park Service archeologists. The two largest mounds were rebuilt. These mounds acted as epicenters for ceremonial and religious activities for the American Indians who built them. Exotic trade goods and other artifacts were uncovered in the excavations which gives evidence to a vast and varying trade network throughout the southeast.
Today, the spirit of Bynum Mounds remains strong. Over a span of 2,000 years, American Indian people have felt a powerful bond with this culturally significant site. Descendants of the mound builders, like the Chickasaw, still return here to their homeland to reconnect with their culture and ancestors.
A paved accessible, 200-foot path loops around the site past the mounds, next to the forest, and through the interpretive shelter.