Over the years, there have been several archaeological discoveries in Alabama. Among our biggest discoveries are the Oakville Indian Mounds in Lawrence County. The Oakville Indian Mounds in Alabama is a fascinating archaeological site with a rich history. It encompasses over 180 prehistoric Native American mounds dating back over 2,000 years. The mounds served as ceremonial and burial grounds for ancient cultures. Today, it stands as a significant reminder of the region's indigenous heritage, attracting curious visitors and historians alike. To learn all about these Indian mounds, including why everyone interested in Native American history should check them out, take a look below.
The Oakville Indian Mounds are located in Danville, Alabama. They were built by Native Americans during the Woodland Period, which was approximately 1,000 to 2,000 years ago.
Following agricultural practices where mounds were destroyed, only two mounds are left remaining today.
One of these mounds, which is 8 meters high and pictured below, is among the largest platform mounds in Alabama. Also, evidence suggests this was a mound where people would come together to hold ceremonies and exchange goods.
The other mound, which is 4 meters high and is pictured below, is a burial mound that was built to elite members of society. The Old Settler Cemetery was eventually established on top of this mound in the 1840s.
The Oakville Indian Mounds are part of Oakville Indian Mounds Park, which covers 83 acres. The Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center, a museum, is an important part of this park, and it was established in 1986 to preserve the mounds.
Inside this museum, which offers free admission (donations are appreciated), you'll find more than 20,000 artifacts, many of which date all the way back to the Paleoindian Period. Among these artifacts are arrowheads, tools, and more. Throughout the year, this museum also holds multicultural events for all ages, including the Lawrence County Indian Festival.
There's also a great collection of taxidermy displays at the Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center. These displays are a definite must-see!
For more information about the Oakville Indian Mounds and museum hours, you can view the Oakville Indian Mounds Park & Museum Facebook page.
Have you ever visited the Oakville Indian Mounds in Alabama? If so, what did you think about them? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, because there's a lake onsite, don't forget your fishing gear.
While in Danville, consider eating at The Old Cookstove. This buffet-style restaurant is a hidden gem:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alabama/restaurant-hidden-culinary-gem-al/
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