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Russell Cave National Monument: A Journey Through Time

Discover 10,000 years of human history at Russell Cave National Monument, an archaeological treasure in Bridgeport, Alabama.

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Explore Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport, Alabama, and step back 10,000 years to discover the lives of early North American inhabitants. This significant archaeological site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing artifacts and the lifeways of prehistoric people.

A brief summary to Russell Cave National Monument

Local tips

  • Visit the Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center to view artifacts and learn about the cave's history.
  • Take a ranger-guided walk to the cave entrance for insights into the lives of its early inhabitants.
  • Explore the Nature Trail and Backcountry Trail to experience the area's natural beauty.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially if you plan to be near water.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Russell Cave National Monument is located at 3729 County Road 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740. From Chattanooga, TN, take I-24 W to US-72 W, then turn right onto County Road 75, followed by a right onto County Road 98. The park entrance will be on your left. From Huntsville, AL, follow US-72 E to Bridgeport, then turn left onto County Road 75 and right onto County Road 98. Parking is available at the visitor center. There are no fees to enter the park.

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Discover more about Russell Cave National Monument

Russell Cave National Monument, nestled in northeastern Alabama near Bridgeport, protects one of the most complete archaeological records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. The cave served as a shelter for Native Americans from approximately 10,000 B.C. to 1650 A.D., providing invaluable insights into their lives and adaptations. Named after Colonel Thomas Russell, who owned the land when the area was first mapped, the monument was established in 1961 after the National Geographic Society donated the land to the American people. Archaeological excavations in the 1950s and 60s unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including stone tools, pottery, and human remains, revealing a continuous history of human occupation spanning millennia. The cave's location at the foot of Montague Mountain offered a strategic advantage to its inhabitants, with access to the surrounding forest for food, tools, and fuel. Visitors can explore the Gilbert Grosvenor Visitor Center, which features museum exhibits, a diorama of life in the cave, and a film about the early inhabitants. Ranger-guided walks to the cave entrance are available, along with demonstrations of prehistoric tools and weapons. The park also offers two walking trails: the paved Nature Trail and the Backcountry Trail, providing opportunities to observe the area's diverse flora and fauna. Russell Cave is also a site on the North Alabama Birding Trail, attracting birdwatchers with its variety of avian species. Although recreational caving is no longer permitted, the monument offers a unique window into the past, connecting visitors with the lives of those who came before.

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