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Bullock

Site ID: 15Wd110

Earth Mound
Woodford
Kentucky Archaeological Survey
Unless specified, we cannot provide site location information.

Summary

​​​The Bullock Mound was excavated by University of Kentucky archaeologists in 1947.  They targeted this site for investigation because they believed it was related to mounds and earthworks in central Kentucky that they had previously investigated. These researchers were surprised when they uncovered the remains of a large rectangular enclosure beneath the mound, since most submound enclosures in Kentucky are circular.

Archaeologists map the site in 1947.

Findings

When archaeologists finished removing the mound fill, they found the remains of a rectangular enclosure, 49.5 feet long by 26.4 feet wide. Postholes formed the exterior of the enclosure. Investigators also documented three interior postholes, a burned clay floor, an ash bed, a fire-burned basin covered with flat pieces of limestone, and a centrally located pit ringed with clay containing cremated human remains and fragments of copper. Additional human bones and ceramic sherds were found on the enclosure floor. The mound builders would have acquired the copper through trade with groups living in the Great Lakes region.

Large rectangular submound enclosure.

What's Cool?

Rectangular Submound Structure​

Most structures found beneath burial mounds in Kentucky are circular arrangements of paired postholes. In contrast, submound structures documented in Ohio are usually rectangular posthole arrangements. The rectangular structure found beneath the Bullock Mound may reflect interaction between Middle Woodland groups living in central Kentucky and groups living north of the Ohio River.
Circular, paired-post Kentucky submound enclosure.

Related Materials

Adena: Woodland Period Moundbuilders of the Bluegrass​


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Learn more about the ROBOT INSERT TIME PERIOD HERE.