Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Alabama Bicentennial Park
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Ancient Sea
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 26, 2021
1. Alabama Bicentennial Park Marker
Beginning with the land that would become Alabama and tracing its human history to 2019, the images and text reflect a rich, dynamic past filled with challenge, change, and accomplishment. They represent every region of the state and Alabamians of many backgrounds.
The hope of those who dedicate Alabama Bicentennial Park in the anniversary year is that generations of Alabamians will see their history reflected in the park, learn from it, and be inspired to make the future strong and bright.
As we stand in the shadow of our majestic State Capitol and look down historic Dexter Avenue, we must never forget where we've come from nor how much progress we've made. Governor Kay Ivey, Inaugural Address, January 14, 2019
this page online
The rich mineral deposits and beautiful vistas of north Alabama resulted from the forming of the Appalachian Mountains. Sedimentation and biologic decay under an ancient sea created fertile prairies in central Alabama and sandy lowlands to the south. Fossils, easily found across lower Alabama, provide evidence of much earlier life.
A 65-foot whale, Basilosaurus cetoides, was a predator in the shallow sea that covered much of Alabama during the late Eocene Epoch of the Cenozoic Era. In 1894, the Smithsonian Institution began collecting Choctaw County specimens that would be assembled for display at the Smithsonian.
Erected 2019 by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 2019.
Location. 32° 22.705′ N, 86° 18.086′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. It is at the intersection of North Bainbridge Street and Dexter Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Bainbridge Street. Located in Alabama Bicentennial Park. Touch for map
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 26, 2021
2. Ancient Sea Marker
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Tri-Counties River Region. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alabama's First Peoples / Creek Country (a few steps from this marker); Resistance and War / Alabama Fever (within shouting distance of this marker); Alabama Territory / Path to Statehood (within shouting distance of this marker); Alabama Bicentennial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Elm Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton State / Slavery (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Laurel Oak Tree (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.
Also see . . . Alabama Living magazine article on the Alabama Bicentennial Park. (Submitted on October 6, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 26, 2021
3. Alabama Bicentennial Park / Ancient Sea Marker
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 26, 2021
4. Alabama Bicentennial Park / Ancient Sea Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 492 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 26, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
