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Aboriginal Mounds on the Buttahatchee river

The word Buttahatchee is said to be derived from the Choctaw language meaning Sumac River. Lillie and I tend to evaluate which plants are growing abundantly in the territories we travel to seasonally. Neither one of us noticed any sumac at this river in mid autumn, which at this time sumac should have been easily recognizable. On another note, we did notice beauty berry shrubs, wild grape leaves, hickory nuts, smilax (green brier) and more. We will have to review the on-location footage in greater detail for further clarity. As we walked the land, eventually we arrived at a place where we began to hear the faint rush of the flowing water. It inspired us to keep moving as this sound started to grow bolder with successive footsteps. In route to the waterway we paused sporadically to see plants and flowers of various species being pollinated by bumble bees along with spiders which had spun their webs to catch neccesary sustenance.

Lillie saw the first signs of water by noticing a very small stream only a few feet wide flowing slowly that veered further into the brush. We paused to observe then proceeded. There were no directional markers to locate the mounds specifically so we continued on instinct and experience. We walked about a hundred or so more yards and located the first of three remaining mounds.

The Aboriginal Mound was covered with abundant vegetation at varying heights from low ground cover to plants one to three feet tall. There were many hardwood trees on the mound, mostly oaks and hickories however the hammock was not so dense to obstruct sunlight from reaching the forest floor. This is likely why some of the vining plants that we observed on the mound didn't rely on their tendrils to climb up the trees in search for more light. They spread out on the ground still maintaining their rich, dark, green color, healthy in appearance. We heard and felt the crunch of leaves under our footsteps as many deciduous trees had already released their leaves for the season, allowing more light to reach lower plants. The temperature was pleasant for the day and even with the invigorating walk to the mounds we barley perspired, nor were we heavily disturbed by biting insects.

By the time we reached the second mound in our direction of travel, the sound of rushing water increased. We noticed a large hole burrowed into the earth likely by a gopher turtle. We watched out for reptiles and other creatures that live in similar environments and continued to observe the plants, shrubs and trees. Our surroundings were quiet and peaceful, with only the sound of mild breezes and the gentle, white noise of rushing water to accent our journey. Oh yea, there were bird chirps and songs to accompany and also insect sounds like crickets resonating. The air was fresh with only the dampness of earth and the faint smell of decaying leaves noticeable, and I don't recall any bold floral scents that can beckon attention.

The third and largest Aboriginal Mound on location was next. It was tiered into two levels and there was a modern, covered sitting area on the top of the first tier. I wondered what precious artifacts were gleaned from beneath it, as the post were dug into the earth. It is reported that the artifacts from this location are related to ones recovered at “Moundville, Alabama”.

I continued to document our experiences by capturing images on camera and then walked towards a clearing in the treeline and appreciated an unobstructed view of the waterway at the higher elevation. Lillie joined me. We held hands and stood in silence for several moments. The rushing river water cascaded over the bedrocks swiftly, shimmering under the direct sunlight. We were both impressed and exceedingly thankful for the unique experience.

Wanting to get a closer view of the water and rocks, we walked back to a narrow trail that we passed earlier in our route to the mounds. Now at the same level as the river, its momentum filled our ears and eyes with delight. It is documented that the Buttahatchee River is a tributary to the Tombigbee River and it must be an exciting journey to take via watercraft. I turned to watch Lillie near the river's edge investigating the myriad of different rock types. We smiled at each other, our eyes reflected the same gratitude. I could have stayed in that moment “a month of Sundays” and still want for more.

Just before heading back, Lillie called my attention to a small frog camouflaged among the rocks. I was happy to capture a picture for us to share with you.