Work continues on the Cavanaugh Mound

Tim Mulvihill is eager to move forward with the cleaning and restoration of the historic Cavanaugh Mound in south Fort Smith.

Mulvihill, an archeologist with the University of Arkansas system, and Jessica Crawford, southeast regional director of The Archaeological Conservancy, met in March 2010 at the mound to do initial clearing of trees and brush and to discuss a game plan on restoration.

The mound, located behind the New Liberty Baptist Church in south Fort Smith, is believed to have been constructed by Native Americans (possibly Caddo Indian ancestors) between AD 1100 and 1300.

The mound, originally about 200 feet long at the base of each of the four sides and about 40 feet tall, is a project the Conservancy has said it will research and restore. During the 2010 interview, Crawford said the Conservancy hoped to build a small park around the mound with signage and other exhibits that explain the historic site.

Mulvihill said much work is need to secure the eastern face of the mound — a large section of dirt was removed at some unknown time for some unknown reason — and to do more investigation of how and when the mound was built.

Researcher Gregory Vogel documented the history and structure of the mound in this 2006 research report.

The mound top includes a burial plot when the land was owned by the Henry Stappleman family. Vogel’s research suggests 12 members of the family were buried on the mound top between 1890 and 1900. No grave markers are now present.

Mulvihill and volunteers worked Mar. 12-13 to clear more trees, and is seeking support from area Boys and Girls Scouts to help with clearing and other work. He praised the city of Fort Smith for hauling off the trees and limbs removed during the weekend work.

“I think we have enough trees thinned out now that we can start grass seed when the weather is right (maybe mid April into May). But I will continue with more clearing and I am also putting the word out to scout groups to see if they would like to help with more clearing,” Mulvihill told The City Wire.

He said the Conservancy hasn’t yet approved all the work, but he is confident they are as eager as he is to make progress on the historic ground.

“I’m starting to look for dirt sources to repair the east side of the mound. I want to have that ready so it can be done right after we record the eroding east profile, which I would like to do in late April or May,” Mulvihill explained. “I’m trying to get some input from engineers on what type of soil would be best. Would like to get the soil and the hauling of the soil donated if possible. The timing of the work also depends on if I can get help from other archeologists lined up at that time.”

Mulvihill may be reached at his University of Arkansas at Fort Smith office, 788-7812, or by e-mail, [email protected]