Jocelyn Curry

The deep south has many draws: architecture, long U.S. history, hospitality, and beauty of different kinds than surrounds us here in the Pacific Northwest. When researching my recent trip to Georgia and South Carolina, I did not expect to find this surprise: a National Monument called Ocmulgee at the edge of Macon, Georgia. We visited there on May 5 after exploring the city and its antebellum mansions (spared by Sherman on his "March to the Sea" during the Civil War) and before driving to Savannah. In spite of the temps in the 90's and the tropical humidity, it was enthralling.

Here is a small sketchbook spread of quick drawings I made of the pottery found in the small, beautiful museum housed in the original Art Deco building at the Park entrance. Paleo-Indians lived on this site from Pre-9000 BCE, but the most dominant group that lived here were the Mississippians (900 AD to post-1350 AD ~ the "Lamar" Mississippians were the later ones). It is the Missisippian people who produced pottery:

The massive, grass-covered earth mounds at the Monument were created by the Mississippians and remain largely intact, although 20th c. railroad development destroyed some of them. Here is a photo of the entrance to the ceremonial Earth Lodge which has been reconstructed inside to appear as it would have over a thousand years ago. Going inside was a very moving experience. The clay floor within is the original, and contains sculpted seats for tribal leaders, and a huge eagle effigy. I should have taken more photos! I thought the site brochure would have more images in it.

To learn more about this fascinating site, go to: Ocmulgee National Monument.