[Illustration: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: March 3, 1849] UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fred A. Seaton, _Secretary_ NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Conrad L. Wirth, _Director_ _HISTORICAL HANDBOOK NUMBER TWENTY-FOUR_ This publication is one of a series of handbooks describing the historical and archeological areas in the National Park System administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. It is printed by the Government Printing Office and may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington 25, D. C. Price 25 cents. OCMULGEE National Monument · Georgia _by_ G. D. Pope, Jr. [Illustration: ] NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORICAL HANDBOOK SERIES No. 24 Washington, D. C., 1956 _The National Park System, of which Ocmulgee National Monument is a unit, is dedicated to conserving the scenic, scientific, and historic heritage of the United States for the benefit and enjoyment of its people._ [Illustration: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR] Preface In presenting this reconstruction, based in a large measure upon interpretations which took their origins from the work conducted at Ocmulgee, the National Park Service would like to acknowledge the debt of archeology to three gentlemen of Macon, Ga. Charles C. Harrold, Walter A. Harris, and Linton M. Solomon were aware of the importance of the large mound and village site close to their community and deeply interested in its thorough study and ultimate preservation. It was through their devoted efforts that the large-scale excavations were undertaken, and the site of this important work preserved as Ocmulgee National Monument. Contents _Page_ THE AMERICAN INDIAN 2 MAN COMES TO GEORGIA 7 FOOD FROM THE WATERS 12 POTMAKING BECOMES AN ART 19 TEMPLE MOUNDS AND AGRICULTURE 28 EARLY CREEKS 40 OCMULGEE OLD FIELDS 48 GUIDE TO THE AREA 55 HOW TO REACH THE MONUMENT 57 ABOUT YOUR VISIT 58 ADMINISTRATION 58 SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING 58