Wp Ella Alabama, Alabamahistory, History, Moundville, Moundvilleal, Nativeamerican, Nativeamericanvillage — Moundville’s Market Street with shopping, food, + more! (Ally Engleman / BamaBuzz)

What once was a Native American village is now the town of Moundville. This town, located in Hale County, has a history dating back to the 12th Century.

Keep reading to learn how it got its name + became what it is today.

Native American village

Before Moundville evolved into what it is, it was a thriving Native American settlement. The people who lived here built 26 earthen mounds around a central plaza, with the larger mounds for the leader’s homes and smaller ones for mortuary purposes.

1120: Founded by Native Americans of the Mississippian period
1400s: Many people move away as the site declines in importance
1823: European settlers establish the land under the name Carthage
1929: First scientific excavations at the park by Walter B. Jones
1930s: Preservation efforts begin, the Moundville Archeological Park is put into place
Now: Home to around 3,024 people + hosts a Native American Festival every October

Moundville’s archaeological site is one of the Nation’s most well-preserved. You can visit today by locating the admissions office, open from 8:30-4. The Jones Museum also hosts events run by the University of Alabama. Click here to see what events are being hosted.