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Culture Periods Represented: Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian

Unfortunately, illegal digging and surface collecting has taken a heavy toll on the burial grounds at Clee’s Ferry. In 1994, a series of large holes could be seen along the bluff, just above the shell mound. They looked like caves, but they were actually holes left by looters digging for Indian artifacts (see photos below). Vegetation could not grow on the river bank because of the constant trampling by diggers and surface collectors.

Above and Below - Damage at Clee's Ferry Caused by Looting
(Click for larger images)

In 1995, through the efforts of the state Division of Archaeology and the Alliance for Native American Indian Rights, a local organization that works to protect Native American burial grounds, and with the cooperation of the land owners, the Clee’s Ferry site was placed on Tennessee’s Archaeological Registry, a listing of sites that are significant to Tennessee’s heritage.

Peto Trejo Sets Up Camp
(Click for larger images)

Peto Trejo was an Oglala Lakota and a member of the Alliance for Native American Indian Rights. He camped at Clee's Ferry in the middle of a cold January, and did not leave until the site was listed on the Tennessee Archaeological Registry. Peto's vigil lasted 2 weeks.

Peto died as result of complications from diabetes in South Dakota in 1998.
Toksha, Kola. May your journey be undisturbed.

The placement of Clee’s Ferry on the Registry allowed the state to put up warning signs that list the state laws that apply to archaeological sites and cemeteries. As you look across the river, you can see three of the signs standing on the river bank.

Warning Sign At Clee's Ferry
(Click for larger image)

The text of the sign is as follows:

Warning
This Is A Protected site.
Unauthorized Digging or Grave Disturbance Is A Violation of State Laws, Specifically

Title 11-6-119 Digging Or Removal Of Artifacts Without Permission Of Owner
Title 39-17-311 Desecration Of Burial Place
Title 39-17-312 Unlawful Disinterment Of Corpse

Violators Will Be Prosecuted To The Fullest Extent Of The Law

If Any Such Activity Is Seen, Please Call Metro Police 862-8600 and Tennessee Division Of Archaeology 741-1588

Continued monitoring of the site and the discouraging words provided by the warning signs have played an important role in curtailing the looting that would otherwise have completely destroyed the site. The large holes that once gaped along the bluff have collapsed and have not been reopened by the looters. Grass and other plants are now able to grow on the river bank, helping to protect the site from erosion.

Clee's Ferry Site Map

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