Milford Howard was an interesting and ambitious man. He called himself a "dreamer," and his life was certainly unique. With less than a year of formal education, he became a lawyer, tried to run for President, made a Hollywood film, wrote books, and spearheaded many failed projects and investments. He is now best remembered for building the Sallie Howard Memorial Chapel, sometimes called Howard's Chapel, located on top of Lookout Mountain in Mentone.
The unique chapel was literally built on a rock - a giant limestone boulder, that is. Inside, the boulder actually becomes the pulpit, and a quote from Sallie hangs overhead, "God has always been as good to me as I would let him be."
The chapel was completed in 1937 as a memorial to Howard's first wife, who died in 1925. Howard died soon after the chapel was completed, and his ashes were placed inside the boulder.
Services continue to be held every Sunday in the chapel, and it is available for weddings. Take a look at this very special little chapel:
The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Small Alabama Town On The Map
The Oakville Indian Mounds in Alabama are a significant archaeological site with over 180 prehistoric mounds, attracting visitors interested in Native American history.
Over the years, there have been several archaeological discoveries in Alabama. Among our biggest discoveries are the Oakville Indian Mounds in Lawrence County. The Oakville Indian Mounds in Alabama is a fascinating archaeological site with a rich history. It encompasses over 180 prehistoric Native American mounds dating back over 2,000 years. The mounds served as ceremonial and burial grounds for ancient cultures. Today, it stands as a significant reminder of the region's indigenous heritage, attracting curious visitors and historians alike. To learn all about these Indian mounds, including why everyone interested in Native American history should check them out, take a look below.
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The Oakville Indian Mounds are located in Danville, Alabama. They were built by Native Americans during the Woodland Period, which was approximately 1,000 to 2,000 years ago.
One of these mounds, which is 8 meters high and pictured below, is among the largest platform mounds in Alabama. Also, evidence suggests this was a mound where people would come together to hold ceremonies and exchange goods.
The other mound, which is 4 meters high and is pictured below, is a burial mound that was built to elite members of society. The Old Settler Cemetery was eventually established on top of this mound in the 1840s.
The Oakville Indian Mounds are part of Oakville Indian Mounds Park, which covers 83 acres. The Oakville Indian Mounds Education Center, a museum, is an important part of this park, and it was established in 1986 to preserve the mounds.
Inside this museum, which offers free admission (donations are appreciated), you'll find more than 20,000 artifacts, many of which date all the way back to the Paleoindian Period. Among these artifacts are arrowheads, tools, and more. Throughout the year, this museum also holds multicultural events for all ages, including the Lawrence County Indian Festival.
Have you ever visited the Oakville Indian Mounds in Alabama? If so, what did you think about them? Please feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Also, because there's a lake onsite, don't forget your fishing gear.
While in Danville, consider eating at The Old Cookstove. This buffet-style restaurant is a hidden gem:
Alabama has a truly fascinating history, and we're fortunate that much of it is documented in museums, historical sites, and through living history performances. Our state is also home to many unique art exhibits and architectural pieces, including a variety of statues and monuments. While some of Alabama's statues are historical, many others are whimsical or simply known for their strangeness and massive size. One of Alabama's most unique statues, which is also quite huge, is the infamous Bamahenge.
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Bamahenge, Alabama's own Stonehenge, is a unique statue that's located near Barber Marina in Elberta, Alabama.
The history of Bamahenge is less mysterious than that of its European counterpart, though. This unique Stonehenge in Alabama was built for George Barber, a local billionaire. He contacted Mark Cline to build it for him. Mr. Cline knew it would be tricky to get the formation the exact size as Stonehenge, so he consulted with astronomers and historians to get the size exactly correct.
The next time you're in the Elberta area, consider checking out Bamahenge. It's one of Alabama's hidden gems, and you'll love getting to see it up close. Plus, you'll get to experience Stonehenge without having to leave the country!
Alabama may not typically be known for its giant roadside attractions, but this landmark is definitely worth checking out! Stroll the beach, enjoy one of Alabama's ancient mysteries, and enjoy the beauty of Barber Marina. Sounds like a perfect day trip to us!
Have you ever visited Bamahenge? If so, what did you think about it? Please share your thoughts and memories with us in the comments below.
This unique display isn't the only cool art installation in Alabama! Check out "Dinosaurs in the Woods" in Elberta, as well. It's a a collection of four lifelike dinosaur statues that were also built by Mark Cline. In fact, did you know Elberta is full of unique history? Make a long weekend of exploring everything that this quirky, charming town has to offer. This luxury villa offers infinite reasons to do so.
