Call: (828) 439-2463

The Berry Site

overhead view of The Berry Site
 

 

 

 

 

 

History

The Berry Site is an active archaeological site dating back to the 16th Century.  Archaeologists have identified the site as the location of the Native American town of Joara, which was visited by the Spanish explorers Hernan de Soto (1540) and Juan Pardo (1567).  In 2013, archaeologists confirmed that this site is also the site of the Spanish Fort San Juan, established by Juan Pardo in 1567. Fort San Juan was the first European settlement established in the interior of what is now the United States, predating Roanoke by nearly 20 years and Jamestown by 40 years.

In 1566, Captain Juan Pardo and his army departed Santa Elena (on modern-day Parris Island, South Carolina) to claim the interior of southeastern North America for Spain.  Spanish soldiers lived at Fort San Juan from January, 1567, until the Spring of 1568.  In June, relations between the Spaniards and the native peoples of Joara ended tumultuously, and the fort was burned and destroyed.

Today

img_3901Archaeological fieldwork is conducted annually at the Berry Site in partnership with Warren Wilson College. The Exploring Joara Foundation partners with researchers at the Berry Site to offer summer camps and other educational opportunities to the public.

Join Us

The Native American settlements visited by de Soto and Pardo and the forts built by Pardo are national and international treasures.  They are witnesses to American and world history and can never be replaced.  Help the Exploring Joara Foundation unearth the forgotten past by becoming a member or donating today!

Additional Information

For more information on Berry Site research, please visit http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~arch/berrysite.  To read papers and presentations about the Berry Site, visit http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~arch/papers. For general event information, please visit our Events Calendar or contact EJF staff.

Check out this video about Field Day at the Berry Site!

Here is a done’s eye view of the site during Field Day – very cool!

Interested in joining the Field School this summer?  Click HERE to learn how to register.

Upcoming Events

Become a Member

Members are the backbone of the Exploring Joara Foundation, and enjoy many great perks, such as:
  • - Free or reduced access to special events
  • - Member Days and special tour days at the Berry Site
  • - Hands-on archaeology labs at the Wall Center
  • - Community Days at the Catawba Meadows Living History Center
  • - Academic presentations by experts in the field

Sign Me Up!

Donate to Exploring Joara Foundation

Make a Donation to EJF

Community Partners and Donors:

Please click to visit our partners
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Our Mission:

The Exploring Joara Foundation, Inc. engages the public in archaeology in the Carolinas, and emphasizes the discovery of the Native American town of Joara and Fort San Juan, the first inland European settlement in the United States. Exploring Joara is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Contact:

Exploring Joara Foundation
PO Box 296
Morganton, NC 28680
(828) 439-2463

© 2019 · Exploring Joara Foundation, Inc.