Did you know that your garden right here in the Piedmont region of North Carolina might be hiding treasures from the past? It’s true! Local rockhounds and artifact enthusiasts often find fascinating historical items in this area, especially after a good tilling or a rainstorm. And we’re not just talking about arrowheads.
The ancient Uwharrie Mountains where we live is a hotspot for all kinds of discoveries. These hills, believed by some to be the oldest mountains in the world, carry a rich history. They are named, according to legend, after an indigenous tribe and have been a significant geological feature since they were volcanic formations on the ocean floor over 300 million years ago. The ground here has seen countless stories unfold over millennia. And indeed, one can even find ancient fossils from the sea bed if you’re very lucky.
The area’s history is intertwined with the lives of various indigenous tribes, such as the Pee Dee Indian Tribe (PDIT) and the Keyauwee Indians. The Pee Dee culture, located along the Pee Dee River, was once a dominant cultural and political force in the region. The Keyauwee lived near the Uwharrie River in nearby Randolph County in the early 18th century. Town Creek Indian Mound was an important site for the Pee Dee culture, part of the broader South Appalachian Mississippian peoples.
Archaeological finds in the area date back over 12,000 years, with evidence of early Native American settlements and activities. The Hardaway Site, in particular, is a treasure trove of history, revealing tools like spear points, arrowheads, stone drills, serrated knives, and hammerstones.
But it’s not just about arrowheads. The area also offers a peek into more recent history. Victorian trash piles and remnants of old homesites are scattered throughout the region, each telling a story of the lives lived there long ago. Glass bottle collectors love unearthing a treasure from the 1800s. And for folks who just like very cool rocks, be on the lookout for petrified wood, it’s especially interesting.
For gardening enthusiasts in the Piedmont, every tilling and digging session can turn into a mini archaeological expedition. Imagine uncovering a piece of pottery, a fossil, or an arrowhead, each a tangible connection to the rich tapestry of human history and even ancient history that unfolded right where your garden now blooms. It’s a fascinating thought that as you plant and nurture your garden, you’re also literally touching the past, a past that encompasses everything from ancient volcanic activity to the daily lives of the area’s original inhabitants.
So, the next time you’re out in your garden, especially if you have a curious young person with you, keep an eye on the soil. You might just find a relic that adds a whole new dimension to your gardening experience, connecting you with the ancient and storied history of the Piedmont and the Uwharrie Mountains. I’d be happy to talk rocks, feel free to swing by The Gathering Garden in Mount Gilead at the corner of W Allenton St and School St, if you want to discuss gardening with us, you can find out more about or workdays on our facebook page.
In these weekly columns, I will share the science of gardening and so many more interesting tidbits. Check back here every week for tailored Montgomery County garden advice, sharing our garden updates, and more.
Let’s grow together!
This article was originally published in the Montgomery Herald and is reused here with permission by Mary Poplin.