Possible Ancient Native American Village Discovery

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. – A multi-million-dollar housing development in North Carolina is being held up by the discovery of what might be an ancient Native American village.

State officials worry that further construction in Carteret County could bulldoze sacred burial grounds.

Archeologists believe there are more than 2,000 artifacts from longhouses, ritual areas and graves, pointing towards a thriving village.

It is possibly among the first to interact with early English settlers, but legislative division threatens its preservation.

“It could have been a part of the Powhatan Confederation,  the Indians that were met by the Jamestown settlers,” Archeologist Chris Southerly said.

Senator Lazzara says regulations are too strict on builders to protect what might be historical artifacts. Lazzara says that drives up the cost of homes.

“These folks are out here trying to build development and housing, but the regulatory environment in North Carolina prohibits that,” North Carolina State Senator Michael Lazzara said.

The Department of Cultural and Natural Resources confirms the only development in the state being held up by these rules is the one owned by his donors.