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Archaeology on TVA Lands

Archaeology on TVA Lands

Cultural survey

The Tennessee Valley region has been home to humans for thousands of years. When TVA started building dams, the water would cover places where people once lived. Before those places were lost, TVA worked with archaeologists to learn more about these places.

Archaeologists are sometimes like history detectives. They use artifacts and features to better understand the past. Today, TVA has a staff of archaeologists who study and preserve more than 12,500 archaeological sites around the region.

What is an Archaeological Site?

An archaeological site is a place where people lived or worked long ago. You might find things they left behind, like pottery, ceramics, glass or metal objects. These are called artifacts.

Archaeological sites may also include features like a fire pit or post hole. These features help archaeologists understand more about the artifacts they find.

People at an archaeology site

Native American Tribes

TVA works with more than 20 Native American tribes that care about the region.

If a project could impact a cultural site, TVA talks to the tribes. There are laws that protect these sites, like:

  • National Historic Preservation Act
  • Archaeological Resources Protection Act
  • Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

These tribes offer historical videos to help others learn about their heritage:

Protecting Archaeological Sites

It's against the law to dig up or take things from an archaeological site. Even moving an artifact makes it hard for archaeologists to learn about it.

If you find something that looks old, don't touch it! Email TVA at [email protected] and tell them what you saw.

A Thousand Eyes

TVA has a lot of sites to protect. The volunteer program A Thousand Eyes helps keep them safe.

Volunteers report suspicious activity like:

  • Digging
  • Using a metal detector
  • Dredging the river

If you see someone hurting a site, call TVA Police at 855-476-2489.

TVA Archaeology People Saving Places A Journey to Painted Bluff

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