In early 1950, a team of archaeologists from the National Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution found that the fossils and tools found at Russell Cave, had at least nine thousand years ago, becoming one of the archaeological sites oldest pieces in the southeastern United States and the oldest cave inhabited the region.

We found stone and bone tools, pottery and jewelry, which tells of human presence for at least 10,000 years BC but also some fossils of corals and other prehistoric beings show us that, about three hundred fifty million years ago, this whole region was under the sea.
Spending the day at the Russell Cave can be a fascinating experience and a journey into the life and culture of our more remote ancestors. A ranger will guide us through this impressive natural monument, and we may know the museum at the Visitors Center, with abundant information about the Russell Cave. In addition to attending the screening of a video on prehistoric peoples, and if we want to know more, can buy books about American culture and the lifestyle of the inhabitants of the cavern.
For those who enjoy walking, there is a steep well marked trail that climbs up the mountain Montague, leads to an observatory on the Route of the Birds of North and loops down to around the mountain, seeking to take into account the recommendations on species dangerous.
We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes, a coat if it cools, insect repellent and water. The park has a picnic area but there is only a drinks machine, so we ask that if you plan to spend all day, we bring our own food.
The park is accessible to people with different abilities and they have wheelchairs available, and if you come with your pet, you can take to the trails with strap, but do not allow animals inside the Visitors Center.
If you’re a fan of nature and like to help, you can join the Volunteers in the Cave, a group of people working with the preservation of the park and provides support to visitors for interpretation, and maintenance.
Russell Cave Natural Monument is five miles on Highway 72, the small town of Bridgeport, Alabama.
Photo: via Flickr