Nanih Waiya

Nanih Waiya is an ancient platform mound in southern Winston County, Mississippi, constructed by indigenous people during the Middle Woodland period, about 300 to 600 CE. Since the 17th century, the Choctaw have venerated Nanih Waiya mound and a nearby cave as their sacred origin location.

The earthwork mound of Nanih Waiya is about 25 feet tall, 140 feet wide, and 220 feet long. Evidence suggests it was originally a larger platform mound, which has eroded into the present shape. At one time, it was bounded on three sides by a circular earthwork enclosure about ten feet tall, which encompassed one square mile. The Choctaw lost control of this property during the 1830s and period of their removal to Indian Territory.