Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Takes Next Step Towards Realization

A gaggle of Middle Georgians deserve a large pat on the back, because years of work have gone into this.

Yesterday, in a rare show of bipartisanship from Congress, Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop announced that the move to change the Ocmulgee National Monument to a National Historic Park passed unanimously out of committee.

This means a lot, but most importantly, it increases the amount of protected land from 700 acres to over 2,800 acres.

The proposed national park sits on the fall line, and consists of beautiful swampland surrounding archeological treasures, ceremonial mounds built by Native Americans thousands of years ago. The hiking trails along the river and through the swamp allow visitors to watch Georgia’s landscape change from the Piedmont to the Coastal Plain. It’s absolutely stunning.

Statements from both Democratic Congressmen Sanford Bishop and Republican Congressman Austin Scott were used in a press release yesterday afternoon to describe the importance of this:

“Passage of our bill in the House Natural Resources Committee is an important step, bringing us closer to strengthening the current Ocmulgee National Monument; bolstering the economy and cultural life of Georgia; and realizing a lasting memorial, enduring for generations,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop.

“I’m thankful to the Natural Resources Committee for recognizing the importance of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Boundary Revision Act and am honored to work on this issue with my colleague Congressman Sanford Bishop on behalf of the greater-Macon community,” said Congressman Austin Scott. “Ensuring that the Ocmulgee Mounds receive the National Park status and historical recognition they deserve will have a lasting positive economic and cultural impact in Middle Georgia.”

Their work isn’t going unnoticed back home, either. Those involved in getting the bill to this point were elated to see this getting the attention it deserves in both parties:

“This is exciting news for our community!  Since 1934, there has been something missing from the original vision of this nationally historic place.  With the addition of the 2,000 acres, middle Georgia can celebrate our success in coming together, working with our delegation, and further protecting this area,” said Brian Adams, President of the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative.  “We thank our leadership’s on-going support, and we ask them to help make sure HR 482 gets the approval our community has asked for and our area deserves.”  

Congratulations to everyone involved. This is a huge step in getting it to the President’s desk.