Alabama
The mysterious history of Alabama's ancient Moundville archaeological site – Yellowhammer News
Alabama is home to a surprising number of archaeological sites with deep, rich histories dating back centuries. While many of these locations have been extensively excavated and cataloged, others may go unseen for years to come. Luckily, one archaeological site less than 20 miles south of Tuscaloosa has been a definitive area of interest for more than 100 years. The Encyclopedia of Alabama has provided a record of the Moundville archaeological site’s history.
On the Black Warrior River, the Moundville was “once a thriving ceremonial and political center of Mississippian culture.” In 1869, Nathaniel T. Lupton had the Moundville archaeological site mapped. This initial effort created a strong pull to the site for archaeologists in the area.
The History of Moundville
Evidence of a community that remained in the area for more than 300 years has been found at the site. Unfortunately, there are no written historical accounts from the time period in American history, so what is known about the site and those who resided in the area is the result of archaeological findings.
“The Moundville site was founded around 1120 by Native American peoples of the Mississippian period, so named for its origins along the Mississippi River.” The site which spans more than 180 acres appears to be an organized community. The large, recognizable mound often referred to as a plaza and its nearly 30 surrounding counterparts were constructed by the community.
It is believed that each mound was created by layering with earth taken from the surrounding area which has since developed into lakes. Archaeologists have determined that the mounds were constructed in a series of stages over many years with some as short as one meter with others reaching heights of nearly 60 feet.
Why The Community Was Created
At this time, archaeologists have not come to a conclusion as to why the Moundville site was created. It is evident that those in the community utilized the land for fishing, hunting, and growing food and that the community was well-fed by a surplus of supply.
Archaeologists also point to potential evidence of warfare as a motive for the site’s seemingly elaborate construction. “The remains of fortifications indicate that warfare may also have been a factor. A log-walled palisade and earthwork was erected early in the site’s construction.”
Moundville was a successful community in numbers. By the start of the 14th century, the town of Moundville had become the largest in the state. By taking into consideration the volume of housing structures and burial sites, experts estimate a population of 1,000 at the height of the town’s prosperity.
The Fall of Moundville
Between the start of the 14th century and the middle of the 15th, Moundville lost nearly all of its inhabitants. The cause of the abandonment has not been determined, but archaeologists point to the next significant moment in history for confirmation of the town’s gradual collapse.
“By 1540, when explorer Hernando de Soto marched his army of Spanish conquistadors through the area, Moundville likely had few inhabitants. None of the villages described in accounts of the expedition can be identified with certainty as Moundville, and subsequent written descriptions of the area do not appear again until the early eighteenth century when the region was found to be mostly uninhabited.”
While we may not know how or why the once successful settlement fell, archaeologists continue working to unlock the mystery of Moundville.
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Alabama
Alabama police lieutenant killed while directing traffic outside church: 'True public servant'
An Alabama police lieutenant died on Monday after he was hit by a car while directing traffic at a church.
Irondale police Lt. Mark Meadows, 60, was setting out cones at an intersection outside the Church of the Highlands’ main campus when he was hit by a man driving a Chevrolet Colorado, local outlet AL.com reported. The driver immediately stopped.
The incident took place before 7 a.m. on Monday as the church’s popular “21 Days of Prayer” event, which runs from Jan. 5 to Jan. 25, was preparing to end for the day.
Meadows was taken to nearby Grandview Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, according to Irondale police.
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Irondale police Lt. Mark Meadows died on Monday after he was hit by a truck while directing traffic outside an Alabama megachurch. (Irondale Police Department / Facebook)
Irondale Mayor James Stewart Jr., described Meadows as a “treasured member” of the city’s family for decades.
“He was a man of few words but always led by example and embodied the heart of a true public servant,” Stewart said in a statement. “Lt. Meadows will be dearly missed by his brothers and sisters at the Irondale Police Department, as well as by all of our City employees and citizens. We are comforted in knowing that he is with his heavenly father, and we will continue to cover his family in prayer as they grieve this great loss.”
The police department announced that grief support is available for officers and others in need following Meadows’ death.
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Meadows was an Army veteran and had worked in law enforcement for decades when he was killed. (Irondale Police Department / Facebook)
Church of the Highlands lead pastor Chris Hodges said Meadows had worked with the church since its main campus at Grants Mill opened almost 18 years ago.
In a statement to AL.com, Hodges said “our hearts are heavy beyond measure,” adding that Meadows was considered family.
“All our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, son, family members, fellow officers and the many who loved him,” Hodges said. “Even in the most difficult and trying times, we know our God will provide comfort, strength and reassurance based on the promise of heaven. We as a church will do all we can to care for his family.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey expressed condolences to Meadows’ loved ones and church family following his death in a post on X on Monday.
“My heart is heavy as I have learned of the tragic loss of Irondale Police Lieutenant Mark Meadows, a veteran and true public servant. I join all Alabamians in lifting up his family, the Irondale Police Department and the Church of the Highlands community in prayer,” Ivey wrote.
Irondale Lt. Mark Meadows helped direct traffic at Church of the Highlands since it opened nearly 18 years ago, according to lead pastor Chris Hodges. (Irondale Police Department / Facebook)
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., also said he was “saddened to hear of the loss” and thanked Meadows for his service to Alabama as a police officer and the United States as an Army veteran.
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Meadows began his law enforcement career in 1992 with the nearby Mountain Brook Police Department before transferring to Irondale.
He was an FBI instructor certified in pistol and rifle, and an NRA instructor certified in pistol, according to AL.com. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is leading the investigation into the deadly incident.
A man was arrested Tuesday after authorities said he sexually abused a child two years ago at a daycare run out of a private home in north Alabama.
Kevin Dewayne Franklin, 50, was charged with first-degree sodomy and sexual abuse of a child less than 12, according to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Franklin is being held without bond in the Marshall County jail pending an Aniah’s Law hearing.
Deputies finished their investigation into Franklin in October 2023 following allegations he sexually abused a child at a daycare in a private home in the Nixon Chapel community.
Franklin was related to the owner of the daycare, who also lived at the home.
The daycare has since closed, authorities said.
The Marshall County District Attorney’s Office along with sheriff’s office investigators presented the case to a grand jury in November.
Franklin was arrested Tuesday by patrol deputies.
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