[1] At the time when the ancient mound was first investigated scientifically in 1881 by a party associated with the Smithsonian Institution, the earthwork was located on a farm owned by the McMahan family.

Excavations by William H. Holmes in 1881 unearthed burials, arrow-points, a marble pipe, Mississippian culture pottery, and numerous engraved shell gorgets and columnella pendants.

Several items of European manufacture were also found in the excavations, including brass pins and cylindrical glass beads.

These suggested that the mound site had been inhabited during the time of European contact in the American Southeast.

"Birdmen" with wings and talons for feet, grasping each other by the neck with one hand and wielding ceremonial flint blades with the other.