Southern Footprints

Book excerpt: "Southern Footprints celebrates the more than fifty years of research projects carried out by University of South Alabama archaeologists and students as well as staff at the Center for Archaeological Studies in Mobile. Their dynamic work has been public facing through programs and exhibits curated at the University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum. Archaeologists Gregory A. Waselkov, former director of the Center, and Philip J. Carr, current director of the Center, present the "greatest hits" that have transformed knowledge of human history on the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast from the Ice Age until recently. Of the hundreds of archaeological sites, premiere historic sites, such as Old Mobile and Holy Ground, are now archaeological preserves. Essays are arranged chronologically overall and survey the history and archaeology of a wide range of significant sites such as the Gulf Shores canoe canal, Bottle Creek Mounds, Old Mobile, Fort Mims, Spanish Fort, Spring Hill College, and Mobile River Bridge. Waselkov and Carr take care to acknowledge in these stories populations who are typically underdocumented and recognize the contributions of Native Americans and African Americans as uncovered through archaeology. While documenting all material culture and places that have been saved and preserved, they also note the dire impacts of climate change, environmental disasters, development, and neglect and share their urgency to protect these areas of shared history. Copious color photographs showcase the archaeology as it unfolded, often with the help of dedicated volunteers. Southern Footprints will serve as an indispensable reference on the rich Gulf heritage for all to appreciate"--