A Thousand Eyes

TVA Cultural Resources manages approximately 9,000 archaeological sites on over 270,000 acres of TVA land. Because the Tennessee River watershed covers a vast territory, TVA staff members are unable to protect all of these sites from being damaged or destroyed through looting or vandalism. In order to address this problem, TVA has developed a project called A Thousand Eyes.

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Members of the group Friends of Fort Patrick Henry visited historic and prehistoric sites with TVA archaeologists during a drawdown of the reservoir in early 2003.

Through this project, TVA works with local groups and communities to protect archaeological sites and preserve them for future generations. Staff members conduct cultural resources presentations and field trips in which communities have the opportunity to learn more about the protection of sites on TVA land.

This site stewardship initiative works in concert with the TVA Lake Watch program to help prevent illegal activity on TVA land. If you notice suspicious activity (digging, unpermitted dredging, etc.) on TVA lands, please contact the TVA Police.

To learn more about TVA’s Thousand Eyes project, or to inquire about scheduling a cultural resources event, please send us a message.