Prehistoric site celebrates grand reopening of visitor center after major renovation
Story By Marla Ballard
On June 28, Russell Cave National Monument had a grand opening for Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center. The visitor center reopened after a long closure for renovations. Artifacts at the visitor center help bring to light many cultural developments of remarkable human journeys.
The newly renovated visitor center has a fresh modern appearance in its two exhibit rooms, gift shop, and theater room that offers a short film. The visitor center is currently showcasing temporary exhibits for guests to enjoy during their visit. Permanent exhibits with artifacts will be installed in 2026.
RCNM is an archeological site and was designated a National Monument on May 11, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to protect the archeological record. The reason for the National Monument designation is because the archeological record shows one of the longest, continuously used occupation sites in North America.
In 1953 members of the Tennessee Archeological Society began excavations. From 1956 to 1958 Carl Miller, working for the Smithsonian Institute, went over 35-feet into the ground. Then in 1962 The National Park Service dug nearly 11-feet down.
Close to three tons of artifacts were discovered. Items found included: pottery and ceramic pieces, stone points and knives, shells and shell jewelry, animal bones and bone jewelry, human remains, and more.
At this time, only NPS cave scientists are allowed into the cave on a very limited basis. The cave is off limits to human traffic for four reasons 1) to prevent the spread of the fungus White Nose Syndrome 2) due to the flooding conditions in the cave 3) the instability of the walls and floors and 4) being an archeological site first and foremost.
White nose syndrome is a devastating fungal disease affecting hibernating bats in North America. There are eight known species of bat at the park. Flora inside the parks 310 acres includes: Sassafras trees, Mayapples, Yellow Jewelweed, Trumpet Vine, Yucca, Beech trees, Trametes gibbosa (mushroom), Southern Nodding Trillium, Jack in the Pulpit, and 13 troglobites.
Troglobite is a species that lives in complete darkness. The troglobites at Russell Cave are not known to exist anywhere else in the world. Other aspects at Russell Cave that make it unusual include being the 3rd longest cave in Alabama, the 72nd longest in the United States, and the 184th in the world.
Additionally, the site served as an early part of the Eastern Agricultural Complex domestication process. The southeastern United States is one of only a handful of places on Earth where the results of a partnership between wild plants and prehistoric peoples maintains its importance and vast potential in our food security today.
The cave is one of ten in Alabama that are considered river caves. The cave is 11.6 miles and a natural spring flows 1.5 miles into the cave before joining Widow’s Creek, which feeds into the Tennessee River.
Throughout the year many planned activities are offered at RCNM. These activities include: ranger hikes, prehistoric tool and weapon demonstrations, prehistoric fire starting demonstrations, informative talks on the indigenous flora and fauna, storytelling, pine needle basket classes, pottery workshops, Junior Ranger days, and more. To learn about the events follow on Facebook @ Russel Cave National Monument.
For avid bird watchers, Russell Cave is site 44 on the North Alabama Birding Trail. Scarlet tanagers, bald eagles, red-bellied woodpeckers, great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, and Eastern bluebirds are among the over 100-known species in the park.
The 2/10 of a mile boardwalk up to the cave is temporarily closed due to recent damage from a tree. Work is scheduled to sturdy the boardwalk to allow access up to the cave and to the nature trail. The nature trail is a paved 1.2-mile loop with an elevation gain of 400 feet.
Volunteers are needed at the park. Whether individuals, scouts, clubs, or corporate organizations, time can be donated to provide essential services. Some donate just a few hours, while others support the park on a weekly basis. To learn about donating financially go to the National Park Service website or call 256-495-2672.
The park grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and the visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. Park admission is free. The park is located at 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport. All information credited to the NPS website and RCNM social media pages.
