Liddell Archeological Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Liddell Archeological Site
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The site in 2010
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| Nearest city | Camden, Alabama |
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| NRHP reference No. | 78000511 |
| Added to NRHP | November 17, 1978 |
The Liddell Archeological Site is a special place in Wilcox County, Alabama. It's where scientists have found amazing clues about ancient Native American life. This site is huge, covering about 50 acres.
People lived here for a very long time. We have found signs of humans from as far back as 9000 BC! That's over 11,000 years ago. People continued to live here until about 1800 AD.
The site is most famous for its artifacts from the Mississippian period. This includes items from a group known as the Burial Urn Culture.
The Liddell site was first discovered in the 1960s. This happened when the United States Army Corps of Engineers was building the Millers Ferry Lock and Dam. This project created the William "Bill" Dannelly Reservoir.
After its discovery, the Liddell, Stroud, and Hall families kindly gave the site to Auburn University. This helped protect it for future study. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 17, 1978. This means it's an important historical place worth protecting.
Contents
Exploring the Liddell Archeological Site
The Liddell Archeological Site is like a giant puzzle. Each piece helps us understand how people lived long ago. It shows us how they hunted, farmed, and built their communities.
A Glimpse into Ancient Life
Imagine people living here thousands of years ago. They used tools made of stone and bone. They hunted animals and gathered plants for food. Over time, their ways of life changed and grew.
The site gives us clues about different time periods. From the earliest hunters to later farming communities, Liddell tells a long story. It helps us see how cultures developed in Alabama.
The Mississippian People and Their Culture
The Mississippian culture was a major Native American civilization. It thrived in the southeastern United States from about 800 AD to 1600 AD. These people were skilled farmers. They grew corn, beans, and squash.
They also built large towns. Many of these towns had big earthen mounds. These mounds were used for ceremonies or as homes for important leaders. The Mississippian people were also known for their beautiful pottery and artwork.
At Liddell, we find many artifacts from this period. These include pottery shards and tools. The "Burial Urn Culture" refers to a specific practice. People sometimes buried their dead in large pottery jars or urns. This was a special way to honor them.
How the Site Was Discovered
The discovery of the Liddell site was quite exciting. In the 1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was working on a big project. They were building a dam on the Alabama River. This dam would help control floods and create a new lake.
During this construction, workers found signs of ancient human activity. Archeologists were called in to investigate. They carefully dug and studied the area. This is how they uncovered the rich history of the Liddell site.
Protecting Our Past: The National Register
After the site was found, its importance was clear. The families who owned the land decided to donate it. This generous act helped ensure the site would be studied and preserved.
Being added to the National Register of Historic Places is a big deal. It means the site is recognized as a significant part of American history. This helps protect it from harm. It also encourages more research and education about its past.
Archeological sites like Liddell are like open-air museums. They teach us about the people who came before us. They help us understand how societies changed over thousands of years. Protecting these sites is important for everyone.
