Bartow’s Leake Site
Trail Dedication and Exhibit Opening
Recent archaeological exploration occurred on land occupied by American Indians from approximately 300 BC to AD 650. This site, called the Leake Site, extended along the Etowah River near the present day area where Highway 113 crosses the river in Cartersville, and it served as an economic and cultural center for societies throughout the Southeastern and Midwestern United States.
On October 3, 2013, three events will take place highlighting this important site from our ancient past. At 12:15 p.m., the public is invited to attend a ceremony dedicating the Leake Mounds Interpretive Trail, a walking trail complete with interpretive panels, developed in partnership between the City of Cartersville, Bartow County, the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the University of West Georgia.
At 6 p.m., Bartow History Museum will open “Pieces of the Past: Bartow’s Leake Site,” a new exhibition featuring artifacts discovered during the recent archaeological investigation, such as pottery, human and animal figurines, stone blades, and more. At 7 p.m., archaeologist Scot Keith will give a presentation on what was learned about this society from the excavations and the artifacts found. The exhibit is presented by Century Bank of Georgia, and will be open until March 1, 2014.
The trail dedication will take place at the intersection of Highway 113 and the Etowah River, west of Cartersville. The exhibit opening and lecture will take place at the Bartow History Museum in downtown Cartersville. For more information or for directions to the trail site or Bartow History Museum, visit www.bartowhistorymuseum.org.
