In 1888, Henry L. Reynolds joined the Mound Exploration Division of the Bureau of American Ethnology. The purpose of this division, directed by Cyrus Thomas, was to conduct an extensive survey of Indian mounds in the eastern United States. While the Mound Exploration Division investigated mound sites in many eastern states, Reynolds performed most of his research in South Carolina and Georgia.
In 1888, Henry L. Reynolds joined the Mound Survey Department of the Bureau of American Ethnology. The goal of this department, led by Cyrus Thomas, was to conduct a thorough investigation of Native American earthworks in the eastern United States. While the Mound Survey Department examined mound sites in many eastern states, Reynolds conducted most of his research in South Carolina and Georgia.