Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site located near Cartersville, Georgia, is an easy drive from the Atlanta area and is a great place to stop and stretch your legs for those traveling along the I-75 corridor.
Reminiscent of a National Park, visitors enter the park through a Visitors Center, where you begin a self-guided tour. A short 15-20 minute video is shown that offers an overview of the history of the mounds. From there you may view the artifacts on display in the small interpretive museum. The exhibits detail the every day life of the Indians that once lived on these grounds.
You’ll find the six mounds on site a short, easy walk from the Visitor’s Center. On the way to the mounds, you'll pass a wattle and daub house, a dugout canoe, borrow pits and what was known as the plaza. It is believed that the occupants of the village used handmade stone tools to loosen and dig the soil before using baskets to carry the soil to build the earthen mounds.
Only a fraction of this historic site has been excavated, as Etowah claims to be the most intact example of Mississipian Culture in the Southeastern U.S.
In 1964, Etowah was named a National Historic Site and is a sacred site for the Creek and Cherokee, descendants of Etowah's earlier residents.
While visiting, you'll want to climb at least one of the three largest mounds before making your way to the Etowah River where you can relax on a fallen tree at the river's edge, rest on the wooden swing or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the wooden picnic tables.
If you don't have time to tour the site, you can drive past and see the mounds from the road, but I'd certainly encourage you to stop and climb the 65-foot tall ceremonial mound which will give you an excellent view of the entire grounds.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours learning about this culture.
For current hours, admission or for more information you can contact Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site at 770-387-3747. You’ll find the park at 813 Indian Mounds Rd. Cartersville, GA 30120.
When we lived in Ohio, a good part of our field trips were focused around Ohio History. We visited the Ohio State Building, many Ohio Historical sites and local attractions that focused on educating the public regarding local history. What better way to learn than by actually experiencing places of historical significance and hearing about people that had made Ohio great?
When we moved to Alabama, it was only natural that I would decide to enhance our state study with field trips. When we learned about the early inhabitants of the state we visited Oakville Indian Mounds and Russell Cave National Monument. We’ve learned about the early settlers in Alabama, visited some historic towns and buildings, learned about some famous Alabamians, like Helen Keller, and even saw a few quirky sites along the way.
One of our favorite field trips so far has been our visit to the Alabama Constitution Village in Downtown Huntsville, where we were transported back in time by costumed interpreters to the year 1819. Forty-four delegates had gathered from all over the state to draw up a constitution, making Alabama the 22nd state.
We learned many interesting facts and tidbits. Did you know that traveler’s at that time wouldn’t rent an entire room to rest, but rather rented bed space? Just imagine how much sleep you’d get sharing a bed with three other adults on a hot July evening in the South!
The convention met not only to draw up the Constitution, but also to determine if women or slaves could vote and where the state capital would be. Many had hoped that Huntsville would be chosen as capital. People also questioned if voting should be a privilege of the educated. Could you be permitted to vote if you were unable to read the ballot? Who would help you make your selections and how could you be sure that the person helping you was a trustworthy person and not out to further their own agenda?
We visited the Federal Land Surveyor’s office and learned how the State was divided into counties, saw some of the tools that were used at that time to measure the land and learned that the Huntsville Meridian is in Maple Hill Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Huntsville. The meridian is the point by which all of North Alabama is surveyed. Of course it’s on our list of places to discover one of these days.
We also toured the printer’s where we learned how the printing press was operated and we met the sheriff’s wife in his place of residence.
In the post office we discovered that at that time, postage was not paid by those sending letters, but by the recipients, who actually paid for their mail when they picked it up. They were charged per piece of paper so in order to be as frugal as possible, the sender would write across the page normally then turn the page and write on top of the words they’d just written. It was easy enough to decipher if the recipient would lay a piece of plain paper under each line as they were reading.
Throughout our visit we were encouraged to join in the presentation by pretending to be one of the residents or signing the constitution with a quill pen.
Our interest in The Alabama Constitution Village program, Up for Debate, led to an invitation to attend Earlyworks Children’s Museum for the President’s and Patriots program the next day. You can see a list of field trips that are currently offered at Earlyworks, the Alabama Constitution Village and Earlyworks here.
Our experience to The Alabama Constitution Village living history museum was very pleasant and I look forward to more visits in the future. This living history museum is appropriate for a large number of ages but is probably best for mid-elementary age and up if attending as a field trip. Though the walkways are paved, some of the buildings require that you climb stairs (some of which are steep) so this isn’t the best outing for wheelchairs or strollers.
You’ll find more information on their website or by calling 256-564-8100. You’ll find the village at 109 Gates Avenue Huntsville, AL. It is open Tues.-Sat., March through October.
Have you been on a field trip lately that you really enjoyed? Why not link up to Field Trip Friday and share what you learned? If you’re new here you may want to read the guidelines, otherwise, feel free to jump right in.
I have a confession. I have often imagined what it would have been like to have lived during the Middle Ages. I’ve dreamed of wearing the rich, ornate gowns of the nobility. Never mind that it was likely they only owned one or two dresses, that hygiene was poor and living conditions a bit unsanitary, even filthy, a major contributor to the Black Plague! Just think, if it hadn’t been for that time period, perfume may never have been invented or needed!
In my mind, I have completely romanticized the Middle Ages into something that it most definitely was not. I guess it’s that crazy notion that has attracted me to Renaissance Faires, Shakespearean plays and knights in shining armor.
In light of that admission, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that when my husband was working in Georgia, one of the attractions I wanted to visit was Medieval Times Atlanta.
Last week, after waiting nearly a year, my family finally had that opportunity. We traveled to Atlanta to be transported back in time to the 11th century as guests of King Philippe and Princess Leonore for a celebration featuring a feast and tournament. The Castle is located at the Discover Mills mall and you really can’t miss it. Just look for the huge stone fortress in the parking lot.
Medieval Times Atlanta, one of nine Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament locations in North America
We’d arrived early to hook up with our group, to look around and to tour the Torture Museum that was located in the Dungeon. We had been cautioned that the Torture Museum was not intended for young children due to the graphic nature of the illustrations and equipment on display. Since I have teenagers I really didn’t think it’d be a problem, we do watch the History Channel, you know. I was wrong.
I can’t say that I found the pictures terrible, in and of themselves. After all, they were crudely drawn, simple black and white drawings, authentic to the style of the time period. What was disturbing was to see the objects of torture and then READ how they were used by the accompanying descriptions. That was disturbing. All fondness I had for that age quickly disappeared after glimpsing the chastity belt and other devices that I’d rather forget. As I escaped the dungeon I found myself wishing I’d never entered.
After looking at the souvenirs available for sale, we waited in the Hall of Arms for our number to be announced which would allow us to enter the arena where the festivities were to be held.
Since we’d booked as a school group,we found small cheering banners and commemorative programs at our seats. Unlike evening shows, the matinee includes special educational programming explaining different aspects of the time period to the audience. My oldest son really enjoyed that aspect of the show. My daughter hated it.
The food was served to us by serving wenches. Keep in mind we were in the Middle Ages so there were no utensils. Our menu consisted of a piece of chicken, corn on the cob, a potato, garlic toast and a chocolate chip cookie. Hmmm….not sure that the chocolate chip cookie fits in the time period but we ate it, so who’s complaining?
I’d love nothing more than to say that my family absolutely loved the show at Medieval Times Atlanta, or rather that I loved the show. It’s not that I didn’t like it, it just wasn’t what I’d expected or built it up to be.
There were some aspects that I really enjoyed—the falcon demonstration was incredible, the dancing horse was pretty neat, and the jousting was entertaining.
Bottom line, I’m glad we went but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I was just a teeny tiny little bit disappointed. But then I’ve discovered that sometimes happens when I blow things up, larger than life, in my mind. My biggest disappointment of the day? Medieval Times Atlanta does not have a smashed penny machine! My son did buy a really cool sword though.
My family saved over $100 visiting as part of a school group, so if arranging a field trip is an option for you, it would be well worth checking into.
If you REALLY love horses, really LOVE the Middle Ages (and not just the clothes from that time period), and have never been to a jousting event, I think you’d be thrilled with the experience, the other families in our group seemed to be.
Have you been to Medieval Times Atlanta or any of the other locations? What was your experience like?
Well, it’s nearly the first Friday of the month which means it’s time for Field Trip Friday. My family has taken our classroom out into the world quite a bit lately.
Last week we attended a special program at Earlyworks in Alabama and traveled back in time to the days just after the Civil War. We met many well known heroes from history. We also met a Buffalo Soldier, someone we’d not known much about that encouraged us to spend our week digging a bit deeper.
After the Civil War, Congress passed a bill to establish a peacetime regiment. The result was four infantry and two Calvary troops of African Americans that came to be known as the Buffalo Soldiers, many of which were freed slaves.
The nickname ‘Buffalo Soldier’ originated from the Comanche and Creek Indians who, though enemies of the Buffalo Soldiers, admired their fearlessness and courage, qualities the Indians believed the roaming buffalo possessed. The name also came because the Indians thought the soldiers’ hair resembled the tuft of hair on the bison’s head.
After talking briefly to the presenter after his presentation, we learned that the Buffalo Soldiers had actually camped in Huntsville. In fact, there is a memorial erected in their honor. Of course I couldn’t stay away!
Located just off University Drive on the grounds of the Academy for Academics and Arts is displayed one of three Buffalo Soldier memorials in the US—the only memorial East of the Mississippi River. Other memorials can be found in Junction City and Leavenworth- both in Kansas.
At the end of the Spanish American War in 1889 many troops from the 10th Calvary were assigned to Camp Albert G. Force after the city of Huntsville petitioned Congress to allow the troops to station there while recovering from malaria and battle wounds. The location of the camp became known as Calvary Hill.
The 10 foot tall, 35,000 pound black granite base tells the story of the Buffalo Soldiers. There service was an integral part of the Westward Expansion, as they protected settlers from Indian and bandit attacks while stringing telegraph lines across the West.
The bronze statue depicts the likeness of 10th Calvary Sgt. George Berry riding his horse up Cuba’s San Juan Hill carrying the United States flag.
Though the Buffalo Soldiers often received inferior horses, supplies and living conditions, they received 23 Medals of Honor, a hint of their courage and bravery.
The Buffalo Soldiers remained segregated in service until the late 1940’s when President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order to integrate the armed forces.
If you happen to find yourself near Huntsville, Alabama you can see the Buffalo Soldier Memorial for yourself at 2800 Poplar Avenue in Huntsville.
Have you been on a field trip lately? You can link up to Field Trip Friday so we can learn right along with you. You’ll find the guidelines here.
If you’re already familiar to Field Trip Friday you can link up below. Until next time~ Happy Field Trippin’!
Last week, the kids and I accompanied one of the homeschool groups that we belong to on a naturalist led hike at Russell Cave National Monument. You’ve heard me mention this amazing attraction several times before because not only is it one of my favorite places to visit in Northern Alabama, it is now on my list of favorite fall hikes.
We arrived at Russell Cave National Monument, viewed the small museum display and began our tour by watching a short 7 minute movie. The video gave a brief history of the cave while focusing on the story of its joint excavation by the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian Institution.
Next we took a quick walk along the broadwalk to the cave entrance. Once inside, one of the Park Ranger’s, who is also the Park Historian shared more of the history of the cave with us. We heard about the nomadic people that once frequented the Russell Cave following food and seeking shelter during the cold winter months; a great lesson in the early people of Alabama. We learned about the hunting practices of the Indians at Russell Cave, how they would hunt deer by camouflaging themselves with deer skins and antlers. Apparently, they were pretty believable because they have found at least one hunter killed by an arrow while dressed for the hunt and believe he died as a result of an accidental shooting.
It was also interesting to learn that they would fish by throwing the powder from crushed Buckeyes into the stream leading to the cave. The powder, which is poisonous to humans would paralyze the fish and they would float to the top of the water allowing the Indians to scoop them out one by one.
We also learned about the excavation of the cave. Did you know that archaeologists do when they find fossilized poo? They can warm the feces which will soften it and then they go through it to see what people at that time, thousands of years ago, ate. Sounds like a smelly job to me. Gross tidbit of information, but memorable.
A weapons demonstration followed the cave talk and ended with the opportunity to try out an atlatl, bow & arrow and blow gun.
The atlatl was hooked to the spear, increasing its power up to three times.
Though we enjoyed each aspect of the field trip, our favorite part was the hike along the nature trail. Not only is the naturalist that we accompanied very knowledgeable, but we were also pleased with ourselves for finishing this short hike after the ordeal we faced the first time we attempted it. (You really do need to go read that, and let me just say that 80ish degrees in the fall is much different than 80ish degrees in late spring here in Alabama! )
The trail is still mainly up, up and up, but the fall foliage was certainly a site to see, especially when you were at the top and able to look down over the trail to see the rock outcroppings strewn along the path below. It was quite beautiful. I will warn you that though this is a paved hike, it is steep heading up and heading down so be prepared to give yourself plenty of time to rest along the way. You’ll be happy to know that after every major incline, you’ll find benches available so you can rest and catch your breath if needed. Though the park service says this is a 1.2 mile hike, I can’t count the times I heard someone gasping, this is only a mile? I found it interesting that The Falcon Guide: Hiking Alabama claims that the hike is a bit longer at 2 miles in length and it certainly feels longer yet.
This was an incredible outing and though we’ve enjoyed the times we’ve been there on our own as a family, it was that much better going with friends.
The kids and I recently began reading about Alabama state history, now that we are official residents and I’ve decided that we will incorporate many field trips into our study. Russell Cave National Monument was a great place to start.
Last spring, we found out that an historic WWII plane would be flying into our area and would be open for tours for two days only. Having studied that time period the previous year in school, and having two boys that are particularly interested in historic war planes, my husband and I knew that this opportunity was not to be missed. Thankfully my husband had a short day of work already planned so we were able to view this fascinating marvel together.
On the short drive to the airfield, my boys took turns impressing us with their knowledge of the B-17’s. Were they excited? You bet!
Their excitement waned briefly as we pulled into the parking lot and saw many people outside the plane, I wondered if I’d misunderstood and they really weren’t allowing tours inside. So I asked a gentleman that was directing traffic and he assured us that he had been through the plane and cautioned that though some of the passageways were a bit of a squeeze, it was definitely worth the trip.
Excited once again, we paid the $15 per family admission and hastily made our way to the plane. Immediately, we were surrounded by volunteers eager to share tidbits of information with us as to what it would have been like to actually serve on one of these planes. Do you realize that the boys that flew the plane were often only 17 years old? If they survived to the age of 20 they were sent stateside to train the new recruits. We also learned that it was so cold in the air that the airmen would keep their candy bars on the inside of their coat pockets because if they were on the outside, they would freeze. The candy bars were necessary to give them a boost of energy to fight the necessary battles. The missions often lasted more than eight hours at a time, by the time the fight was over and the plane was landed, the young men would literally collapse with fatigue.
The B-17 was vital to winning WWII. During the ten year span of 1935 to 1945, over 12,000 planes were built. Today, less than 12 planes remain capable of flying.
Though we began our tour of the Flying Fortress, the Aluminum Overcast, on the ground, inspecting the outside, it wasn’t long before we journeyed inside for a glimpse of the bombardier, bomb bay and other various compartments. As I watched my husband climb the ladder into the plane and literally crawl through the narrow passageway to a standing position, I knew that the gentleman I’d spoken with had not exaggerated the tightness of some passageways. I began to feel a bit panicky and claustrophobic as my turn to climb that ladder arrived, but my husband assured me that I wouldn’t get stuck. Trusting him, I continued and we were soon joined by our children, who were a bit amused by my antics. No, I did not get stuck and after passing through the bomb bay, the passageway widened considerably.
If you have plans to study WWII at some point in the future or have studied it in the past, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to make history come alive for your children with a trip through the Aluminum Overcast. This year it is scheduled to make stops in Charlotte, NC, Talladega, AL, Bloomington, IN, Paducah, KY, Olive Branch,MS, Jackson, MS, New Orleans, LA, El Dorado, AR and Tulsa, OK. You can see the tour schedule here.If you live near New Orleans, this would make one amazing field trip when paired up with a trip to the WWII Museum.
If you don’t live in those areas, make sure that you stop by the website to see the 2011 Tour Schedule when it posts later this year. And for those of you that are really interested, you can book a flight on this amazing, historic plane!
This is a must for history and WWII enthusiasts or anyone that just happens to be in the area! Thumbs up from us!
Time to link up and share your field trips this past week!
Our field trip this week was to Falls Mill located in southern middle Tennessee just about an hour northeast of Huntsville.
The mill, which was originally used as a cotton and wool factory was built in 1873 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The privately owned mill is used as an operational mill and museum and was recently featured on the Discovery Channel.
Our self guided tour of the mill began with a short movie which explained the history of the mill which we followed by exploring the mill’s exhibits that included the millstones, a printing press that is used to print the bags that the cornmeal, grits and flour that is ground at the mill are sold in.
On the second floor we found a collection of looms and wool carding machines, a general store and a coin operated player piano that will play forever!
The century-old waterwheel is still used to power the milling equipment. Though the mill was not in operation while we were there, it does operate nearly every day of the week.
After our tour we enjoyed a picnic lunch on the scenic grounds while the kids enjoyed playing in Factory Creek that runs beside the mill.
Before we left I purchased a bag of Multi- Grain Pancake Mix that even came with a few recipes, which was delicious.
It’s easy to see why Falls Mill has over 200,000 visitors a year.
You’ll find the mill nestled along the creek at 134 Falls Mill Road in Belvidere, Tennessee. If you have a group of 10 or more you can arrange a guided tour by calling (931) 469-7161. Normal prices are a reasonable $4 for adults, $3.00 for senior citizens and $2 for children between the ages of 14-2.
In addition to the mill there is a cozy historic log cabin that can be rented on the grounds- making it a perfect romantic hide-a-way.
If you do plan to visit, just don’t stop on Wednesday- the one day that it’s closed.
That’s our field trip for the week- I can’t wait to read about what you’ve been up to!
This week’s edition of Field Trip Friday is another outing that I took sans children on my recent trip to Colorado. I have to tell you that I discovered there is no shortage of historical hot spots in Kansas- particularly along I-70! I was tempted to stop and stretch my legs at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum which includes his boyhood home when I saw a billboard alerting me that it was in the local vicinity. It couldn’t have been easier to find. I simply followed the signs that directed me off the interstate and headed straight into Abilene. I had no idea that this little 2 mile by 2 mile nearly square town is full of some of the wildest West History in Kansas. Abilene was the last stop on the Chisholm Trail, boasting it was once home to Wild Bill Hickok who served a very short term as Abilene’s sheriff. You won’t find anything commemorating him, but you will find a beautiful, sprawling campus that is now part of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, which is what I stopped to see in the first place so I was determined not to get side tracked.
I knew this would be a special treat and actually felt a wee bit guilty stopping without my family because they’d have loved this one too. Unfortunately, I still had quite a drive ahead of me and didn’t want to take the 2-3 hours necessary to enjoy the site to it’s fullest, but even the hour I spent was a welcome break to stretch my legs.
I began with a short stop in the visitor’s center that has an awesome gift shop filled with all things Ike, and even shows a short 24 minute movie every half hour. Though I would have loved to have seen it, I had that time thing working against me.
I did slow down enough to explore the tiny home where young Dwight grew up. A guided tour of the home is offered continuously. Unfortunately the pictures I took inside didn’t turn out because flash photography isn’t permitted but if you’d like to take a peek for yourself, you can take a peek at the online tour. The home was last occupied by Ida Eisenhower, Dwight’s mother, who lived in the home until her death in 1946. The home has been shown as a museum with the original furnishings since 1947.
After exploring the home, I took a moment to visit the Place of Meditation, the final resting place of President Eisenhower, his wife Mamie, and their firstborn son, Doud Dwight, who preceded them in death. Inside you will see quotations from the famous president and general, including this one that I really found profound:
"The real fire within the builders of America was faith -- faith in a Provident God whose hand supported and guided them: faith in themselves as the children of God ... faith in their country and its principles that proclaimed man's right to freedom and justice." Abilene Homecoming, Abilene, Kansas, June 4, 1952
Pretty incredible, huh?
I did not visit the Presidential Library which serves primarily as a research facility, though it does have a quilt display that is shown at this time. I also did not visit the museum, which is the only building on the campus that charges an admission fee. It wasn’t the cost that scared me off, but rather the fact that I didn’t have enough time to really explore. I’m hoping to make a return trip with my family sometime in the future; maybe on the way to next year’s Savvy Blogging Summit. I did take the time to walk along the grounds and must say that if you are in the area of Abilene, this is one of the stops I would highly recommend. Referred to as one of the Top Ten Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower was also a highly esteemed military leader who received the great honor of Five Star General, no wonder it’s the best known attraction in Abilene! It’s even listed as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas which means that I saw two on this trip and didn’t even know it until I was back home in Alabama! Planning to be in the area and want some more information? You can call 877-RING-IKE or stop by 200 S.E. 4th Street. You’ll also find lesson plans from the website here and if you’d like to download my field trip notebooking pages you can do that here.
Once again, if you’ve been on an outing that you’d like to share feel free to link up to to this week’s Field Trip Friday. Of course you’re welcome to snag the cute button and I’d be appreciative if you’d link back to my site. Until next week~ Happy Field Trippin’!
I’d actually spent the night in Hays, Kansas on the way to Colorado. Can’t say that I was overly impressed with the hotel I stayed at but I did sleep well enough- even if I did sleep with the TV on so I didn’t have to hear the ramblings and goings on of those in the rooms nearby. After leaving Hays, I’d decided that this was one town that I’d probably not stop at again. Certainly not to spend the night- that’s for sure! However, a lover of all things unique and historic, I couldn’t quite pass up a quick trip to Historic Fort Hays on my return trip through Kansas on the way back to Alabama. I was disappointed to find that it was closed when I arrived and though I am somewhat adventurous, I did not enjoy meandering the grounds by myself. It would be really helpful if the hours could be posted on billboards so you don’t drive 15 minutes out of your way to an attraction that is not open on Sundays! OK…rant over.
Just what is Fort Hays anyway? Fort Hays, originally named Fort Fletcher was a frontier outpost managed by the US Army to protect the stage and freight wagons heading West to Denver, from Indian attacks. Fort Fletcher was abandoned for several reasons, and reopened as Fort Hays, essentially to aid the railway crews. After a flood destroyed the fort and killed several of the soldiers, the fort was moved to closer proximity to the railroad, making it more practical to guard. The fort resembled a frontier town and was designed as a supply post. Fort Hays was abandoned in 1889.
The Kansas Historical Society manages several buildings at the Old Fort site that visitors are now able to tour, including the 1867 blockhouse, 1872 guardhouse and two of the frame officer’s quarters. I found it interesting that 46 commanding officers served Fort Hays between 1867-1889. That’s a pretty high turn over! I’d loved to have spent more time here, learning about the black soldiers, or buffalo soldiers, that served here, had it been open.
I could almost imagine what it would have been like for a soldier stationed here in the summer heat. Surrounded by the threat of Indian attack in the midst of the wide open spaces, buffalo quietly grazing in the fields. If we ever head back to Kansas, I’ll add this on our list of places to visit- as the history surrounding Fort Hays certainly appeals to the history lovers in my household. It is located on the edge of town with a nice park across the road where you’ll find picnic tables and get a great view of the neighboring buffalo. If you’re in the area or passing through, and are looking for a place to stretch your legs, this is one attraction worth stopping for- even if it’s not officially open- and it’s only about a 15 minute drive from the Cathedral of the Plains. You can find more information as well as operating hours by calling 785-625-6812 or if you're in the area, you'll find Fort Hays at 1472 US Highway 183 Alt, Hays, Kansas. Don't forget to download your free notebooking/coloring page before your visit!Historic Fort Hays Coloring/Notebooking Page
Christian. Wife. Homeschool Mom of teens. Past & Future Full-time RVer. Travel Blogger focusing on fun, family-friendly, (sometimes) educational travel and field trips primarily throughout Ohio and the US.
