The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) was recently acknowledged for its contribution of 136 acres to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. The land donation is seen as a step forward in preserving an important cultural and historical site in Georgia.
The land lies within the Ocmulgee River corridor, historically occupied by the Muscogee (Creek) people before their forced removal during the Trail of Tears. Acquired by Georgia DOT in 1998 for wetland mitigation related to the Fall Line Freeway in Twiggs County, it has remained undeveloped. Its transfer aids in preserving sacred landscapes.
Jacob Collins, Tribal Liaison with the National Park Service, presented a plaque during the State Transportation Board meeting on July 17. The plaque was received by Ann R. Purcell, chair of the State Transportation Board, and board members Cathy Williams and Tim Golden.
“On behalf of the National Park Services and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, I’m honored to present this plaque as a small token of our deep appreciation to the Georgia Department of Transportation,” said Collins at the presentation. “Today, we recognize the significance of this milestone with the donation of land by Georgia DOT to the park. This gift is more than acreage, and represents the preservation of sacred ground. Ocmulgee Mounds hold profound cultural and historical significance to many tribal nations. It is a landscape shaped by generations of stewardship and a place of deep ancestral connection. Thanks to Georgia DOT, this land will now be permanently protected, interpreted, and honored as part of Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park.”
“We, the Board, would like to say thank you. It is our pleasure to help protect and preserve our history here in the state of Georgia so that the public can enjoy what was and what still is,” said Purcell. “I have to recognize our whole Georgia DOT family because without them this would have never happened, and it shows the interest that we have in Georgia’s historic and cultural heritage.”
The donation supports ongoing efforts for park expansion and aims for designation as Georgia’s first national park and preserve. It reflects collaboration between Georgia DOT, National Park Service, and tribal leaders dedicated to protecting Muscogee (Creek) Nation lands.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon preserves thousands of years of human history significant to Indigenous peoples.
Georgia Department of Transportation manages state highways along with other transportation projects involving bridges, waterways, public transit among others while supporting local government road maintenance.
