Ocmulgee National Historic Park, Macon, Georgia

“We seek to preserve historical, cultural, and environmental values, while simultaneously providing the economic and other benefits of a National Park to Middle Georgia and beyond.”

This is the parks vision.

Today was a beautiful, cool day and a great day to see this historic site. When we arrived here we first went into the Visitors Center where they have over 2,000 artifacts on display that came from this land as well as a movie telling the history of this area. The museum was very interesting and worth taking some time to look around. A bus rolled in with a group of senior citizens from Wisconsin that were on a trip that was coming from Key West and they were now on their way back home. It was nice seeing them enjoying this historic park and loving Georgia. They said they were enjoying the nice weather and not looking forward to going back to the cold.

We learned that this area was inhabited for over 17,000 years. The American Indians first came here back in the Paleo-Indian period (Ice Age) to hunt large mammals. There have been many Indian cultures that have lived here since. The Mississippian Period began in 900 CE and they were a well developed society. They were excellent farmers and when they built they were extremely accurate in their measurements.

We walked down the path to the Earth Lodge which was a ceremonial chamber for the Mississippian people. The floor is original and dates back to 1015 AD and is made from Kaylin, a blueish gray clay that was smoothed into place. They had to reconstruct the walls and the ceiling. The entryway was made taller to make it easier for the tourist to get in and out of the chamber but it was originally two feet wide and twenty-six feet long. Twice a year the rising sun would shine directly on the seat in the center of the stage. When we were inside the chamber, we noticed it was a 42 foot close to perfect circle with a fire in the center. The oak post rising to the ceiling are arranged in an eighteen foot square. There are 42 seats arranged around the wall. Each of the seats is wider and higher than the one next to it and there are depressions in front of each seat for an unknown reason. The platform resembles a bird. A thousand years ago leaders met here. This was found during the excavation of the site in 1930.

From there we walked down the path toward the largest mound which was a good distance away. As we stood there and looked at how high this Indian Mound was contemplating walking up the many steps to the top, two elderly woman were walking down the steps. We asked them if it was difficult to get to the top. One lady replied that she was 89 years old and she made it to the top. She added it was not that hard if you take your time. She smiled and said they have benches and then said, “If I can do it, I’m sure you can do it.” She smiled and kept on walking. May we be as blessed as she when we are her age. We turned and started our hike to to top. It was not difficult but there are quite a few steps to walk up. When we got to the top, we took in the views. You could see city of Macon clearly and the views were nice. While standing on the top of this mound, you realize that the Indians moved an amazing amount of dirt.

The largest archaeological dig ever conducted in this country occurred right here at the Ocmulgee and surrounding area between 1933-1936. Eight hundred men who worked for Roosevelt Works Progress Administration WPA, and later the Civilian Conservation Corp CCC excavated this site under the direction of Dr. Arthur R. Kelly from the Smithsonian Institute. They collected hundreds and thousands of artifacts including spear points, metals, arrowheads, bells, jewelry, seeds, and bones that are displayed at the museum. In 1935, they discovered a Clovis projectile point from a prehistoric fire that was dated back to 8000 BCE when they were able to carbon - 14 date it. This was a large point used to hunt large mammals and was the first to be found east of the Mississippi River.

There is a sacred Funeral Mound that was discovered on this land that had over one hundred souls buried there. This mound was thought to have measured as long as 280 feet long and 100 feet wide and 25 feet high.

On March 12, 2019, Ocmulgee National Monument has become a National Park. President Donald Trump sign the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation Management and Recreation Act into law. This will quadruple the size of the park expanding it from 702 acres to around 2,100 acres. The difference between a historic site and a National historic site has to do with the amount of land that it has.

Every year on the third weekend in September, the park has a huge Ocmulgee Indian Celebration here. It is one of the largest Native American gatherings in the Southeast. There are craftsmen, dancers, storytellers and many living history demonstrations. This looks like a great event where you can see how the Indians lived, played, and enjoyed their lives here as a community.

As we were getting ready to leave the park near the visitors, we saw two Indian people reaching up to the sky in what looked like prayer. We were not sure what they were doing but we concluded that since they were doing a series of deliberate movements together that they were either honoring their ancestors or possible praying for their people. God Bless the Indian people as they have gone through so much hard ache in their past.

If you are looking for things to do in the Macon, Georgia area, this is a pretty unique thing to see. What a blessing we have been able to preserve this. Check them out at: www.ocmulgeepark.org.

Bye for now.
 #InterestingPlacesToSeeGeorgia #ThingsToDoMaconGeorgia #TravelGeorgia

Indian Prayer for Peace

Oh, Great Spirit who dwells in

the sky, lead us to the path of

peace and understanding, let all

of us live together as brothers

and sisters.

Our lives are so short here,

walking upon Mother Earth’s

surface.

Let our eyes be opened to all

the blessings you have given

us.

Please hear our prayers, Oh

Great Spirit.