CVHS Program to Examine Regional Archaeology Project
The Chattahoochee Valley Historical Society will hold its winter
quarterly meeting on January 20, at the Bradshaw Library in Valley, Alabama, at
3:00 pm ET. The program will feature an
exciting archaeological project currently underway in Macon County, Alabama.
Executive Director Shari Williams and Managing Director Glenn Drummond will
discuss the mission and scope of “The Ridge”, a project taking its name from
the topography of southeast Macon County.
At the core of this project is an archaeological dig site, which offers
a unique opportunity for the general public to participate in pre-scheduled
digs under the guidance and supervision of experts. An interpretative center at the site provides
students, historians, and tourists a glimpse of the storied past of this
region. Artifacts date from the Archaic
Period of Native American culture.
Relics from the antebellum period through the 20th century
have also been discovered here.
Rural communities of Boromville, Creek Stand, and Warrior
Stand are situated on “The Ridge” near the Alabama/Georgia border along the
path of the historic Federal Road. Built
in the early 1800’s, the Federal Road began as a pre-historic Native American
footpath that followed a topographical ridge line separating the drainage
basins of the Chattahoochee and Tallapoosa rivers.
The importance of this area as a gateway to the western
frontier and its rich multi-cultural heritage motivated Williams, Drummond and
a nucleus of dedicated volunteers to develop this project. In the fall of 2011, they received a small
grant from the Alabama Historical Commission to fund start-up activities. Their
mission is to collect, display and interpret artifacts, records and oral
history of the region in order to educate residents and visitors about the
contributions of The Ridge to the nation’s history. After opening the interpretive center in May
2012, the project secured Alabama non-profit organization status. Students ranging from elementary age to
college level have visited the Ridge participating in field digs and getting
genuine hands-on experience in the study of archaeology.
“The Ridge Archaeology Project is a great example of historic
preservation at the grassroots level.
It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a community comes together
and its citizens are willing to work towards preserving their heritage,” says
CVHS program chair Malinda Powers.
As always, the public is invited to attend and there is no
charge. The Bradshaw Library is located
on Highway 29 in Valley, Alabama, approximately one mile south of I-85 Exit
79. For additional information on the
historical society, including membership and donation opportunities, visit the
organization’s website at www.cvhistoricalsociety.org.
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