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Aboriginal, Indigenous Mounds – “Moundville, Alabama”

Our extended travels around the Alibamu Territory found us enjoying the delightful “City of Tuscaloosa” that sits on the banks of the “Black Warrior River.” Reportedly, the Leader of a prominent Mississippian-era group inhabiting the Territory was also named “Tushkalusa” which in the Muskogee-Creek language is said to mean “Black Warrior” and the River is named in his honor as well. The “city” features an abundance of natural resources (i.e., rivers, lakes, “parks,” and scenic trails and “byways”), and venues for music, art, culture, and sports. We also give recognition to the exuberant lady we met at “Stillman College” who proudly shared details about its history and achievements; and kudos to the pleasant staff at the “University of Alabama Natural History Museum” where we enjoyed an amazing geological exhibit and rock collection.

The “Black Warrior River” plays an essential role in the ongoing Legacy of First Nation People who lived along its extensive shoreline. One of our favorite honoring sites is at “Moundville” where an expansive Aboriginal Mound Center was established thousands of years ago and is currently maintained as a 320-acre “Archaeological Park.” Our first amazing experience here was in 2016 and now we are able to spend many bliss-filled days honoring this remarkable ancestral treasure. It’s delightful being just half an hour away.

Upon arriving at the “park” and crossing the railroad tracks, we had a spectacular view of the mounds in the foreground of the central plaza, which is said to contain 29 or more sites. The green grass and plants covering them looks so attractive under sunshine and blue skies. However, we even enjoy experiencing these monuments during the thickness of gray fog or when it is raining (whether drizzling or pouring).

Like many people, we are entranced at the sight of the largest and highest mound that sits along winding mound trail at the midway point. It is humongous and commands full attention. Said to be over 60 feet tall with a diameter encompassing nearly 2 acres, it captivates as we look directly at it with speechless awe and tremendous respect for the Aboriginal, Indigenous Mound Builders. This is mostly a rectangular, platform “ceremonial” mound and reportedly, two ramps were once attached on the north and east sides that lead to the top. The imprints are slightly visible on the outer slanting terrain. Also, nearby are related information displays and stepped access to the summit.

We slowly start up, acknowledging every step and appreciating the variety of natural greenery that blankets all sides of the sloped surface. Jamal goes ahead, using the camera to document what he observes and I like to pause midway to focus on my surroundings. Sometimes I wonder how all these different plants and vines flourish together, keeping their verdant color, while the surface close to the upward path was dry. I saw birds soaring overhead then disappear inside trees; bees at work pollinating plants and flowers; and tiny ants seemed to scurry aimlessly through the grass. Everything has a purpose…a goal to fulfill—just like me. That thought causes a smile and I continue upward.

After reaching the summit, the amazement continues with incredible panoramic views of the monumental structures below in the plaza and the beauty of assorted towering trees seen in the periphery beyond the mound’s base, which including an adjoining mound to the north that was accessible by an attached ramp. It is said that two “South Appalachian-Mississippian” culture structures were found underneath this low, rectangular, flat top mound. One of them was an “earth lodge” that researchers claim was unknown at Moundville or anywhere else in Alabama Territory. It has similarities to other structures located at “Town Creek” in “North Carolina” and Ocmulgee in “Georgia” Territory.

Some of our most memorable experiences happen while we are by ourselves on the top of the “ceremonial” mound. For instance, we saw a bird poised in a tree top that closely resembles a beautiful ‘Northern Flicker.’ The following rituals are commonplace for us:

• We offer respectful words to our ancestors (either silently or emoting into the ethers);

• We get barefooted in order to nourish our body and soul from the bottom upward;

• We sit or stretch out on the ground in peaceful contemplation;

• We tune-in to nature using mental visualization and our five senses; and

• We become willing receptors for ancestral wisdom and strength.

As often as we have come to “Moundville” and navigated the mound trail by car, it made a huge difference to walk around and be up close to these monuments. We are amazed by their massive size, especially lengthwise when traversing rectangular diameters and appreciating their unique qualities and surface groundcover. We recognized plenty of clover, plantago, wild lettuce and onion, and mushrooms—all are valued indigenous plants. Most of the mounds are flat on top and treeless, except for those long, giant structures located on either side of the “ceremonial” mound—likely due to their closeness to the dense hardwood forest (oaks, pines, hickory, etc.) populating the background.

We observed one incredibly large mound with slightly tiered terrain; another one contributed to the picturesque scenery near a small pond; and a few of them display dented surfaces where access ramps may have been attached. The more we walked—the more magnificent features we observed and absorbed into our hearts and consciousness.

Also, a museum was constructed in very close proximity to a large square mound where stairs were added to allow access the top and to offer fantastic panoramic views around the plaza. Nearby there are two impressive mounds in front of a lovely pond with many cypress trees and exposed knees adding beauty to the surroundings. Well, actually, the scene was enhanced by our observance of a beautiful Gulf Fritillary butterfly and bumble bees feasting on pretty yellow wildflowers and other vegetation growing along the edge of the pond.

All in all, we sense a vibratory connection of sheer gratitude as we approach the last curve along the mound trail. Thank you, Universe, our experience in the presence of these invaluable marvels has been extraordinary.

Essential Water Resource: The “Black Warrior” River

After leaving the mound plaza, we followed the trail leading to a village exhibition and the “Black Warrior” River. This trail is actually a “boardwalk” through a forest of varied trees and vegetation, including tall pines, oaks, sweetgum, holly, fern, and leafy vines) and the rough terrain resembled ravines that form when water carves its way under forest environments. We noted instances of ground elevation (possibly low mound structures) on the left side before entering an open field that contained the exhibits amid several towering trees. Since our main focus was the River, we headed towards that direction.

It is said that this river starts in the hills of the Appalachian Mountains, flowing through the Fall Line Hills near Tuscaloosa, which is the largest “city” on its journey; then it enters the East Gulf Coastal Plain, forming the border of the “Black Belt;” and at the “town of Demopolis,” it joins the Tombigbee River on towards Mobile Bay. Also, the “Black Warrior” River’s watershed spans 6,275 square miles in Alibamu and is about 300 miles long. The headwaters consist of three forks: Sipsey Fork and Mulberry Fork (located near Birmingham) and the Locust Fork, which flows through an ancient riverbed that is reported to be 300 million years old—older than the Appalachian Mountains. Interesting.

Approaching the overlook, we are astounded by this expansive river. It has a horseshoe bend at this point that allows amazing views of large shapely rocks and high bluffs with red sandy surfaces along the shores. The river is framed by the same tall, verdant trees described earlier; only from this vantage point one can capture an elevated view of the tree line, bordering the forest. It is wonderfully picturesque. We observed that the dark water is slow-moving from this location, though we have witnessed faster motion at others.

The first bridge over the “Black Warrior River” was built in 1834 by Horace King, a Master Bridge Builder who was said to be of “Negro”, “Native American, and European” descent. He is honored by a “Historic Marker” placed at this bridge site. Reportedly, after being damaged, rebuilt and destroyed, Horace King built a new wooden bridge in 1872, which was replaced with an iron bridge in 1882 and upgraded over the years until a higher bridge was needed in 1895 to handle increased “traffic” on the river; it was upgraded and used from 1922 to 1974. It is said that all bridges built at the original site utilized the original 1834 piers.

Horace King established a company with his sons and became well-known for constructing bridges using both metal and wood throughout the southeast. We traveled to witness the Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge at “Woodbury Georgia” that he built in the 1840s using the Town Lattice Design, which is described on the “Historic Marker” as: “web of planks crisscrossing at 45- to 60-degree angles are fastened at each intersection with a total of approximately 2,500 wooden pegs, or trunnels.” We arrived in late afternoon with enough light to navigate back and forth across this amazing structure and to document the intricate artistry displayed inside and outside along the creek. We were totally captivated—it is incredibly well-made and said to be the oldest and longest (about 391 feet) wooden covered bridge in Georgia Territory. We are honored by this memorable experience, and look forward to publishing previously documented images in upcoming articles.

Beyond seeing many scenic views of the “Black Warrior” River at different locations, we truly feel most appreciative knowing its significance along the Allodial Mound Center. It is said that thousands of Choctaw (Creek) People were attracted by the natural abundance found here and established “towns/villages” with roads and trails—some are still used today.

In our opinion, the wondrous “Black Warrior” River has experienced far too many impoundments for various reasons that are unworthy of mention. We have hope that this River continues to thrive in spite of these unnatural instigations promulgated by corporate policy. We have witnessed in many communities that when people become aware, they will unite against impositions on the waterways. Hooray for the Champions!

Jamal met with the “park’s” Director and enjoyed a lively conversation, then thanked him for the care and maintenance. Also, he discussed access to research documents with the Archaeological Center Director. For the first time, we spent a wonderful evening at the site, overlooking the plaza from atop the “ceremonial” mound, and then we went to the River for one more adoring look as the last traces of the setting sun left us in darkness.

Jamal penned the heartfelt comments featured below. Enjoy.

COMMENTARY:

At this stage of our growth with DiamondLegacyAmerica.org we have enjoyed the Aboriginal Mound Center at “Moundville, Alabama” and many other magnanimous locations repeatedly throughout the years. These locations reveal a noble heritage for those willing to see beyond the status quo and are a significant experience for Moorish Americans. Beauty and peaceful resonance are our birthright. The past, present and future are a reflection of inner thoughts and intentions.

Healing is the miraculous purpose and practice of honoring the parental energies of humanity and family. There are challenges in life as we are growing beings, regardless of chronological age yet strength is revealed through the process in all phases of life. We are strengthening during the natural unfolding of life into superior aspects of the All. Bliss is ever present readily finding us where and when we are good.

Love is infinite, abundant source energy and this truth is understood based on one’s capacity to appreciate peace. We are free to choose our course of action with justice as our benchmark for confirmation and correction.

Peace