2010 April 13, Tuesday, Indian Mound, Train Tressel and Singing River Park

Tuesday, I took two of my grandsons to the Indian Mound Museum, where we saw on display a collection of American Indian relics dating back over 10,000 years. There were several display cases full of arrowheads that interested my grandsons. The Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek once lived in this area until the Trail of Tears. 
We also watched a short film.

Indian Mound Museum 

The curator said we could walk or take the stairs to the top of the Indian Mound. She said to beware of the snake in the grass. She said it was not poison. 
The cost was two dollars each. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

The Indian Mound Museum closed in 2015. The building was small and dilapidated.
Can you access the mound until the new building is built? 
The new building is due to open in October 2016. The artifacts that were once on display are being filtered through. They are only keeping the most important ones. A sash worn by Chickasaw Chief George Colbert will be on display. I'm eager to see the new one open. 

Historic Marker

There is a historic marker telling information about the mound. 
Prehistoric Mound (Probably Built between 100 B.C and 400 A.D.)
This is the highest domiciliary mound in the Tennessee Valley. It was built between 100 B.C. and 400 A.D. by a prehistoric people of the ancient Woodland Culture. Such mounds served as bases for ceremonial temples or the houses of chiefs. This mound, encircled initially by an earthen wall, contains no burials. It is 43 feet in height. Its base measurements are 310 feet by 230 feet. Its flat top measures 145 feet by 90 feet. Evidence indicates that nearby there were two smaller mounds, villages, and cultivated fields.

Climbing the many steps to the top

Port of Florence

The boys and I climbed the many steps to the top.  To the left, we could see the Tennessee River, O'Neal Bridge, and the old train trestle. To our right, we could see the Port of Florence.
We could see barges being unloaded with palettes of goods being delivered to Florence. 
We saw train cars that were no longer used on the now-disused train tracks that once crossed the Tennessee River. The steps leading to and behind the museum were the Co-Cop.
We waded through the tall grass, hoping not to see the friendly snake. 
After taking a few pictures, we walked back down the steps.

We crossed the Tennessee River and stopped at the location of the old train trestle on the Colbert County side. 

Walking Trail of the Train Tressel

The Tressel is now a walking trail.
My grandsons and I walked to the end of the trestle and back. 

The Gate is locked where once trains traveled across the Tennessee River

We walked to the car and crossed the Singing River Bridge back to Lauderdale County.
We stopped at Singing River Park, which was filled with blooming dogwoods.
This park features a newly built restroom that is open to the public, except during winter months when it is locked. 

Sun Dial 

At the bottom of the park is a concrete slab, almost like a sundial, where you can set and watch the barges go up and down the river. 

My grandsons and I walked down the many steps to the banks of the Tennessee River. It is also handicap accessible. 

Steps and a handicap walkway

There are so many fun things you can do with your children and grandchildren. Teach them to love the history of the area where they live.