An extraordinary artifact was found in a plowed field in a late Mississippian site (the King Site) in NW Georgia. It proved to be a Spanish sword from the mid-1500’s. Local men were walking a plowed field when they noticed a piece of iron protruding from the sandy loam. Digging into the immediate area, they found a Native burial with grave goods including the sword and other Native artifacts. Other iron artifacts from Spanish contacts, likely the de Soto expedition, were also found on the site. Keith Little, archeologist, managed to get in touch with local people and preserve the sword (artifact preservation compliments Florida Division of Historical Research).
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This is one of a series of field notes for archeological researchers. The notes are free. Pass it on if you please.
Caleb Curren: August 2009