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Aboriginal Mound Site – “Florence, Alabama”

Our passionate and exciting journey to Honor the Legacy of First Nation People in America has led us into the Alabama Territory or, as we prefer saying—"Alibamu.” Reportedly, this is the name of the people whose ancestors inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Some sources say it means ‘those who clear the land’ in the Choctaw/Chickasaw dialects of Muskogean languages that were spoken predominantly in the Territory. Supposedly, “alba” means ‘medicinal plant’ and “amo” means ‘to clear.’ We have noticed lots of pine trees along the route and the fact that Indigenous Peoples used pine to treat various ailments is well documented. Plus—the Southern Longleaf Pine is designated as the ‘official’ tree of Alabama. Hmmm…

As travel planning requires, we became aware of the proud heritage of First Nation People who first lived along the namesake waterway in the central area and they established a vast number of villages and towns around the Territory. Reportedly, this area was once part of the Mississippi Territory and most of the land belonged to the Creek Nation. Some sources assert that the Creek (or Muscogee) Nation became the largest group in Alabama and called themselves “People of the One Fire.” Also, it has been said that because their villages were established along creeks and rivers, European immigrants referred to them as “Creeks.”

Besides being captivated by the natural beauty of verdant rolling rural terrains and long winding scenic byways, we were enamored with the sight of bountiful trees donning an abundance of leaves in many whimsical fall colors from shades of green, yellow, orange, red and brown. So picturesque! And I truly enjoy walking in nature as single leaves appear to magically float down from above; at times I have no idea which trees to thank for the gifts that decorated the path and enhanced my experience. As always, we are ever mindful of the many reasons why we love trees. One being that they each possess their own unique qualities…just like us.

Another thing that kept coming into our awareness was the number of places with Indigenous names—just as we observed in The Land of Flowers (“Florida”), Georgia, and other territories across the American Continent. Here are a few examples of places in Alibamu with names that honor First Nation People:

• The 67 designated territorial divisions include: Tuscaloosa, Coosa, Etowah, Choctaw, Escambia, Autauga, and Conecuh.

• Capital ‘cities’ include: Mobile [The Rowers] and Talladega [Border Town].

• ‘Town’ names[meanings] include: “Wetumpka” [Rumbling Water]; “Tuscaloosa” [Black Warrior]; “Opelika” [Big Swamp]; and “Atalla” [Mountain].

• Waterways (from large rivers to small creeks) include: Alibamu, Mobile, Chattahoochee, Sipsey, Tombigbee, Tallapoosa, and Oakmulgee.

And as our travels continued to one of the ‘capital towns’ named “Florence” (namesake of a place in Italy), we were thrilled to spot signage denoting yet another river with an Indigenous name…“Tennessee” which, reportedly, derives from “Tanasi” (a major Cherokee town). During early days, the river had many names; however, “Cherokee River” was documented and used later. It is the largest tributary of the Ohio River (at about 652 miles long) and flows southwest from Knoxville into Chattanooga before crossing into Alabama.

It is spectacular and we wanted to stop right then to take pictures; however, our destination was the so-called “Florence Indian Mound and Museum” located on ‘Court Street’ and we wanted to go there first. We had some idea of the significance of this river to the mound builders when they chose this strategic spot to establish their village home.

Still unsure of the exact location of the mound, we noticed the road led to the “Port of Florence” which is located along the Tennessee River and they claim responsibility for “connecting northwest Alabama and southern Tennessee to the rest of the world.” This is obviously a large modern industrial operation consisting of ship docking stations, equipment, buildings and storage facilities; and there are various other businesses occupying nearby surroundings.

Just as we were about to question the directions…before us stood a massive mound structure. Though it appeared to be in our path, the road veered right towards available ‘parking’ in front of the museum. However, that was the last thing on our minds in this moment—we were gaping at the size of this incredible Mound; and in our excitement, we traveled the immediate area several times just to take it all in with our eyes and cameras—Amazing.

There were lots of sturdy trees gracing the outer sloped terrain and we noticed that some side areas displayed more density that others. The ground was adorned with natural greenery including small leafy shrubs, clumps of hearty grasses, vining plants (i.e., various smilax and possibly wild grape and coffee), and other vegetation—many exhibiting different phases of life. And my attention tends to gravitate toward flowers, so I was delighted to see tiny, lavender colored offerings amid the green plants. Also, I noticed that the small bushes with white buds were quite plentiful. I have no idea what to call them, except…lovely flowers.

I made mental notes in anticipation of this beautiful experience as I scanned the marker near the steps. Later on, we learned that it claimed: “This is the highest domiciliary mound in the Tennessee Valley. It was probably built between 100 B.C. and 400 A.D. by a prehistoric people of the ancient “Woodland Culture”. Such mounds served as bases for ceremonial temples or chief’s houses. This mound, originally encircled by an earthen wall, was reported to contains no burials. It is 43 feet in height. Its base measurements are 310 feet by 230 feet. Its flat top measures 145 feet by 94 feet. Evidence indicates that nearby there were two smaller mounds, villages, and cultivated fields.”

As I approached the steps, this thought briefly crossed my mind “Looks pretty steep and more than the reported 43 feet tall.” Jamal had already enthusiastically reached the top and was beckoning me to join him. Climbing the steps, I paused occasionally for a closer look at those cute little wildflowers and watched pollinating insects busily flitting about. Half the way up, I looked ahead and then behind to gain another perspective of the height of this magnificent monument. It is surreal. I was excited to continue higher.

Upon reaching the summit—I could hardly believe my eyes because the panoramic views were impressive. The expansive flat terrain is filled with more examples of nature’s grace aptly providing the necessary environment for these mature oaks, pines and other trees to thrive. We observed that some trees are barely recognizable due to aged bark patterns exhibiting peculiar-looking growths. Even the stumps were intriguing and we were able to observe many cute little ladybugs crawling around the surface, probably searching for smaller insects (i.e., aphids). I’ve always heard that spotting ladybugs would bring fortune and we feel very thankful. Looking up at wondrous light-blue skies, sometimes through intricate tree canopies, while attempting to ignore the noisy distractions from activities happening below, we focused on the ambiance emanating from these sacred surroundings with silent reflection and gratitude.

As we casually strolled around on top (and not too close to the outer edge), we praised the ingenuity of our ancestors who orchestrated their existence by selecting this special location, which overlooks abundance in every direction, from the vast encompassing land to the essential waterway. Our studies over the years confirm this truth about Aboriginal Peoples and we bear witness to similar layouts at various other mound centers.

Also, signage placed nearby offered the following documented archaeological findings:

The mound “was the heart of a large Indigenous cultural center that existed along this section of the Tennessee River Valley.”

An 1848 map shows “the mound as originally hexagonal in shape with an eight to ten-foot high earthen embankment that partially encircled it from riverbank to riverbank.”

Originally built “between AD 100 and 500” and “platform mounds from this period are somewhat rare” and “one of the largest known mounds from this period in Alabama.”

So-called Woodland People originally built the mound and “belonged to what has been termed the Copena Mortuary Complex, which is associated with a larger cultural group named Hopewell that dominated the Ohio Valley and surrounding regions.”

“Their influence extended from the Appalachian Mountains to the western end of the Tennessee Valley to the Great Lakes.”

“The Mississippian People who later reoccupied the mound were culturally influenced by the ideas and practices of people in the Mississippi Valley.

The museum has exhibits that convey more in-depth historical, geological, and archaeological information than what is presented on the above-mentioned signage. An interesting promotional brochure proclaims that “the museum is located at the base of the mound” and “contains artifacts dating back over 12,000 years.” Well…considering the old map drawing depicting the mound with a circular earthen embankment and the panoramic views from the summit, then—that does mean the museum as well as many other buildings were constructed within the confines of this impressive Aboriginal Mound Center.

Also, a dedication stone placed atop the mound claiming that the ‘site’ was ‘donated to the city of Florence.’ However, other sources annotated that it must be preserved for future generations. We can do more than hope that this is true. The invaluable signature of esteemed Aboriginal heritage must be protected with due diligence and we all can choose to accept responsibility by proactive observation of its care and maintenance. It is important.

We are thankful for the opportunity to document and share our experience. As our Journey of Appreciation continues, we encourage you to create your own pathways filled with memories and evidence to share.