Monday, February 27, 2006

Archaeological Validation

When I was a young boy in Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia, I didn't need any "proof" that Native Americans had lived there. The area had abundant evidence of their occupation. I learned very early on where to look for arrowheads and pottery sherds—and find them I did!

My book, Keechie, was the result of my lifelong fascination and obsession with these people, and now I found myself wanting to learn more of them. When did they come to this area? What was their daily lives like? What was their religious beliefs?

Earlier this week, a friend who still lives in the area told me that there was an archeological dig in progress on the very creek that I had written about in Keechie! With a little help I was able to find the website of the organization conducting the dig, and through that, I discovered a very good article on their findings so far. Check out
Southern Research, Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc. and scroll down to 'What are you Doing Out There On Highway 116?'

Check out the article to see and understand my excitement! They are digging up the artifacts that were left by Keechie's ancestors, and the preliminary dating is much older than I ever suspected.

Life is good!

Phil