The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park is located in Georgia in the United States. The park has indigenous significance with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. In fact, the park’s name comes from the Muskogean language. The word Ocmulgee is the Hitchiti word for “bubbling waters”. This was taken from the technique for building the handmade earthen mounds, which took river water. The mounds were once a thriving center for Indigenous peoples.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which is one of the largest tribes in the United States, had around 60 villages there. But after the tragedy that was the 1836 Trail of Tears, the tribe (among many others) was forcefully removed from their lands.
Around 1934 some of the lands were protected since they were deemed historically significant after artifacts were found. But recent changes have been made to potentially protect the lands and advocate for the Muscogee tribe. Although the historic park has been available for public viewing for quite some time, the designation will mark significant changes. Learn more about the upcoming Georgia National Park and what it will offer to the public.
The National Park Designation
While not every adjustment has been made public, there are a few things that Georgians and visitors can expect. Technically Ocmulgee would be the state’s first national park, which is a feat within itself. The difference between a historic park and national park is the size and significance of the land. The National Park Service describes historic parks as areas commonly associated with military history with physical complexity. While national parks are large land areas with resources to protect the area’s natural resources. National park is a title that is designated way less often than historic park. But Ocmulgee would be one of the few national parks with free entry, which certainly will make it popular with tourists.
The park is around 600 acres, but once the park is designated as a national park it should be expanded. This expansion would restore some of the original lands that were lost by the Muscogee people. The park could potentially be around 2,000 acres after the lands are recovered and expanded. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park would be the first national park co-managed by a displaced tribe. All this is done in partnership with the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI).
Things To Do
There is plenty for visitors to do while at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park. Travelers can explore the forest pathways since there are eight miles of trails. Climbing and hiking are some of the most popular activities at this park. Visitors can even explore the mounds or view the wetlands near the river. Inside the visitor’s center people can see replicas and artifacts that were extracted from the Ocmulgee lands.
When To Visit
One of the most ideal times to visit the park is during the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration. This annual gathering is during the fall. There are crafts, dances and lectures that celebrate southeastern Native American tribes throughout a weekend in September. The Creek, Cherokee and Choctaw tribes are often represented there.
