What Is Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park?
Formerly Ocmulgee National Monument, this park preserves acres of earth mounds from the Mississippian Period and the (pre)history on both sides of that Period!
What Makes It Historical?
The largest archaeological excavation in US history took place here between 1933 and 1936, a Smithsonian-guided product of the New Deal! It was a real who’s-who of New Deal organizations from the WPA to the CWA, the ERA to the CCC, about 800 workers at a time, supervised by Dr. Arthur Kelly!
The 2.5 million artifacts they uncovered showed that, like Russell Cave in Alabama, folks have been living at Ocmulgee since at least the Paleoindian Period, 17,000 years ago! As a point of reference, the mounds here, based on carbon dating, are only 1/17th as old!
The highlights of Ocmulgee are the Great Temple Mound, home to the micco or chief, and the restored Earth Lodge, where the local council would meet to discuss village matters. Outside of excavations, much of what we know about this place comes from the more modern Creek languages, down to the park’s name, which means “boiling water!”
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park!
- Donate to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
1207 Emery Hwy
Macon, GA 31217
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, but the trails open at 8:00!
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