Fort Mitchell in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Indian Ball Ground

Photographed By Tim Carr, December 28, 2009

1. Indian Ball Ground Marker

Inscription. The most popular game among the Indians of this region was "stick ball." This field has been constructed so that the game may be enjoyed again in the Chattahoochee Valley where it was played for hundreds of years. Sometimes known as "little brother to war," the game was played with an intensity second only to war. Hand crafted sticks with small loops on the end were used to catch and throw a small deer skin ball often filled with squirrel fur to make it "lively." One of the last games played here in the valley was viewed by General Lafayette when he visited Fort Mitchell in 1825.

Erected 1996 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission / Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 32° 20.646′ N, 85° 1.26′ W. Marker is in Fort Mitchell, Alabama, in Russell County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 165. Marker is located to the back side of the Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center Monument adjacent to Fort Mitchell National Historic Landmark Site. Fort Mitchell is located about 10 miles south of Phoenix City, Alabama.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 561 Highway 165, Fort Mitchell AL 36856, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Interpretive Trail (here, next to this marker); Pokkecheta, or the Ball Play (here, next to this marker); Fort Mitchell and Creek Removal (a few steps from this marker); Archaeology And Our Understanding of the Creek People (a few steps from this marker); The Census of 1832 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Creek Nation / The Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Cultural Exchange and Cooperation (within shouting distance of this marker); Creek Towns (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Mitchell.

Also see . . . Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center - Fort Mitchell, Alabama. (Submitted on December 30, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)

Photographed By Tim Carr, December 28, 2009

2. Indian Ball Ground Marker

Indian Ball Ground image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Carr, December 28, 2009

3. Indian Ball Ground

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,135 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 30, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.