The Meherrin River Site is an archaeological site located along the Meherrin River in Hertford County, North Carolina. It is a prehistoric Native American site that was inhabited by the Meherrin people. The site was discovered in the 1930s and has been the subject of several archaeological studies.
The Meherrin River Site is believed to have been occupied from around 800 AD to the late 1600s, which coincides with the time period when the Meherrin people were living in the area. The site contains the remains of several prehistoric Native American villages, including evidence of houses, storage pits, refuse pits, and several burial mounds, indicating the importance of mortuary practices in Meherrin culture. Archaeologists have also uncovered a number of artifacts at the site, including pottery, stone tools, and bone tools.
One of the most notable finds at the Meherrin River Site is a series of large, circular earthen mounds that were used for ceremonial purposes. These mounds are believed to have been constructed by the Meherrin people and were used for a variety of purposes, including burials, ceremonies, and possibly even as platforms for houses. The largest of these mounds measures approximately 60 feet in diameter and 6 feet in height.
Overall, the Meherrin River Site provides important insights into the prehistoric Native American culture of the Meherrin people and their way of life along the Meherrin River. It is a significant archaeological site in North Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.