http://www.wsmv.com/news/15453826/detail.html

Native American Pyramid Sits Hidden
Archaeologist: State Looks To Provide More Access To Historic Sites

Reported By Dennis Ferrier

POSTED: 4:50 pm CST February 29, 2008
UPDATED: 8:25 pm CST February 29, 2008

PEGRAM, Tenn. -- A little-know Native American pyramid in Pegram, Tenn.,
has some questioning the state's role in preserving and showcasing
Tennessee's history.

Video: Native American Pyramid Sits Hidden From Public

Channel 4 got a glimpse of the historic site on Friday.

"It was a fabulous site. We're looking at a city on celebration days,
equinox days, that there could have been 5,000 to 8,000 Native Americans
here from all over the area," said Mark Tolley of the Ancient Sites
Conservancy.

For 500 years, the site was one of the most important ancient Native
American villages in Tennessee.

"The big temple mound is a four-sided truncated pyramid. That means it's
flat on the top, and there was a structure there," said Tolley.

At the top of the pyramid there is a 1,000-year-old petroglyph etched into
the stone.

"This is a carving of a ceremonial mace. This was the symbol of the power
of the ruler," said Tolley.

In just the past decade, the state of Tennessee has bought and saved
several ancient Native American sites, but this site was purchased more
than 30 years ago.

The state has all these wonderful sites, but some members of the public
wonder when the average resident will get access.

"Some of it comes down just to political will. Saving the site and keeping
it intact for perpetuity is great, but opening it up to proper public
access, I think, is paramount," said Tolley.

State archaeologist Mike Moore said Tennessee is making all of the
purchased sites more accessible, but in a low-key, thoughtful way.

He said it is very easy to destroy these treasures, but the state said
there are more tours, parking and plans for all of the Native American
sites.

Those interested in the preservation efforts of the Ancient Sites
Conservancy can e-mail Tolley at tolleymm@...