Pre-European Contact

Before European colonization reshaped the landscape of North Carolina, vibrant Indigenous nations thrived across the Piedmont. The Ajusher (Adshusheer), the Eno, the Occaneechi, the Shakori, and the Sissipahaw, among others, cultivated deep connections with the land, establishing complex societies with unique customs and traditions.  

Though often overlooked in mainstream narratives, their history is etched into the very earth itself, waiting to be rediscovered in the region's ancient burial mounds.   

These mounds, often found in wooded areas, are more than just piles of rocks. They are tangible links to the past, offering glimpses into the lives and beliefs of the people who built them.  

"When you're out in the woods, particularly in North Carolina Piedmont, you can see burial sites. You can see ceremonial sites once you know what to look for," explained Beverly Scarlett, founder of Indigenous Memories. Scarlett, a descendant of the Saponi Nation, has dedicated herself to researching and preserving these sacred sites.   

Far from random accumulations of stone, these mounds often reveal deliberate shapes and structures. Scarlett notes that the rocks are not simply thrown together but carefully placed, overlapped, and wedged. 

This attention to detail suggests a reverence for the deceased and a deep understanding of the natural world. Some mounds even feature a "headstone," a distinct stone marking the edge of the mound.   

The size and complexity of some mounds suggest that they were used over long periods, perhaps even generations. Each stone placed by a passing warrior or family member contributed to the mound's growth, creating a living monument to the community's history and enduring connection to the land.

"Hence, the one mound being as tall as I am," Scarlett said. "It lets us know there's a lot of traffic there."  

These burial mounds are a testament to the rich and complex cultures that existed in North Carolina long before European contact. They are a reminder that the history of this region begins with the Indigenous people who shaped the landscape and whose legacy continues to resonate today.