Fort Mitchell in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Interpretive Trail
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
1. J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Interpretive Trail Marker
The purpose of the Interpretive Trail is to acquaint the visitor with the uses native plants in the daily life of the native americans. Three major topics of use are as medicine, food, and as household items. For example, yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) was valued for its quality as a purgative, useful in treating stomach disorders. The Creeks also made a strong black tea called A-cee from the leaves. This drink was consumed daily and by men on special ceremonial occasions. To the Creeks, A-cee was a powerful stimulant and medicine.
From this vantage point, looking east one overlooks the Chattahoochee River Valley landscape. Fort Benning Reservation is on the horizon; the stickball field is in the foreground.
This walking trail and Indian heritage interpretive exhibit is made possible through
this page online
Other Contributors to the interpretive trail include:
Russell County Commission
Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Association
Historic Chattahoochee Commission
Alabama Department of Transportation (ISTEA Grant Program)
Faith Birkhead, Illustrations
Captions:
Shagbark Hickory
American Chestnut
Buckeye
Sassafras
Erected by J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation of Columbus, Ga and the Alabama Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 32° 20.646′ N, 85° 1.259′ W. Marker is in Fort Mitchell, Alabama, in Russell County. It is on State Highway 165. 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Columbus. 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: Indian Ball Ground (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
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
2. J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Interpretive Trail Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
3. Native Plants and Medicine
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
4. Yaupon Holly (llex Vomitoria)
Was Valued For Its Quality As A Purgative, Useful In Treating Stomach disorders.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
5. Indian Heritage Center
Square Ground, Sacred Fire
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
6. Origins Marker -at the Indian Heritage Center
Some tell of ancestors who migrated here from the West. Others recall legendary homelands in the east. Most are probably descended from those who were here for 10,000 years.
The very earliest people on this land gathered and hunted, but 2,000 years ago farming became their way of life. When the Europeans arrived here around 16000 A.D., they founded the native people were farming extensively, living in large towns, and engaged in a vigorous commerce that extended far beyond this Valley.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
7. The Southeastern Indians Today
For over 10,000 years this was their homeland, but no Indian groups remain in the Chattahoochee Valley today. The descendants of the old tribes live in modern communities in South Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Southeastern Indian culture suffered many centuries of hardship and oppression, yet today is vigorous and strong. Sacred traditions and ancient customs, such as those symbolized here, are not easily destroyed.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
8. Square Ground, Sacred Fire
Every Indian Settlement of substantial size was built around a centralized public plaza, or Square Ground, where residents and visitors met to discuss and settle the social, political, commercial, or legal issues facing the community. At its center was an open hearth on which burned a Sacred Fire, the catalyst for all community religious activity. Along the sides of the square were seats from which tribal officers and other citizen performed their civic and religious duties. This monument is a symbolic representation of a Square Ground and Sacred Fire.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
9. Square Ground, Sacred Fire
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
10. Census Summary
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
11. 1832 Census of the Creek Nation
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
12. Indian Heritage Center Marker
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, July 12, 2011
13. J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Interpretive Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2018. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,198 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on October 11, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
