Mount Gilead
Dec 14, 2015
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and come view the moon at "Town Creek Under the Stars" Saturday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. The moon will be at its waxing gibbous phase, meaning it is more than half full. The full moon will occur on Christmas Day. In addition, the planet Uranus will be close to the moon.
"December offers the clearest nights of the year to go out at stargaze," says Site Manager Rich Thompson. "It's an opportunity not to be missed."
Other celestial objects, such as nebulas, clusters, and galaxies will be available for viewing as well. Interested stargazers are encouraged to dress for the weather. Participants may also bring binoculars and telescopes, and the staff also will have a scope available. Advanced registration is requested by calling or emailing the site. This event is free and open to the public but donations are welcome. Please contact the site at (910) 439-6802 or at towncreek@ncdcr.gov to register.
For more than 1,000 years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Around A.D. 1000, a new cultural tradition arrived in the Pee Dee River Valley. Throughout Georgia, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western and southern Piedmont North Carolina, inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople, and celebrated a new religion.
The mission of Town Creek is to interpret the history of the American Indians who once lived here. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays. A national historic landmark, Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site is North Carolina's only state historic site dedicated to American Indian heritage. Tour groups are welcome and encouraged. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. It is closed to the public Mondays and most major holidays.
The historic site is within the Division of State Historic Sites and located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mount Gilead, N.C, 27306. For more information on Town Creek, visit www.towncreekindianmound.com.