Long Swamp Creek Park

by Stefanie Joyner, Executive Director

4/1/2022

History Cherokee is grateful to the County Commissioners and Cherokee Parks and Recreation (CRPA) for purchasing the site historically known as 9CK1 at the confluence of Long Swamp Creek and the Etowah River. Purchasing this property for park use safeguards this archaeological-rich land and provides opportunities to educate the public about Cherokee County’s fascinating history.

Known throughout the State of Georgia as the “Long Swamp Mound Site,” archaeologists have found evidence of Woodland, Emergent Mississippian, Middle Mississippian and Late Mississippian occupations (1000 BC – AD 1540). Long Swamp’s peak occupation occurred during the Early Mississippian period and contained a mound, palisade, and village. The site appears to have been the seat of a small, autonomous simple chiefdom during the Late Etowah phase of the Early Mississippian period. The mound was likely ceremonial and not used for burials.

History Cherokee has a number of objects from the site (from a private collector related to the previous owner) and will feature them in the new Cherokee County History Center, opening late this summer. History Cherokee also served as a consultant to CRPA to interpret the site for visitors and participated in a public survey sponsored by the county.

We look forward to visiting the park when it opens and sharing this important period of Cherokee County history.

History Cherokee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County History. We accomplish this through the Cherokee County History Center, Research Library, and rich educational programming. Learn how you can support.