Historical Society dedicates Native American Historical Marker
Published 7:00 am Thursday, May 23, 2024
A crowd gathers as the Butler County Historical and Genealogical Society dedicates a Native American historical marker. Photo by Amy Lewis.
Representatives from the Porch Band of Creek Indians attends a ceremony dedicating a Native American historical marker. Pictured are Sweet Thunder Grantham (left) and Billy Bailey (right). Photo by Amy Lewis.
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The Butler County Historical & Genealogical Society (BCHGS) celebrated the arrival of a new historical marker honoring Butler County’s Native American history, in a dedication ceremony on May 16.
One side of the historical marker details early Native American history in Butler County. The other side details the two trading paths which crossed Butler County. One path, an ancient trail, later became the Federal Road. The second path found on historical maps ran between Persimmon and Pigeon Creeks in eastern Butler County.
“Butler County’s Native American history is the foundation upon which its later history was written. Indians, traders, government agents, adventurers, and settlers really did travel along our county’s two documented Indian paths,” said Walter Parmer, Vice President of Programs for BCHGS. “The events of 1818, including the death of our county’s namesake, Captain William Butler, were not just stories handed down, but really happened and were documented in contemporary accounts.”
The dedication ceremony, held at the marker site on U.S. Highway 31 near mile-marker 128 between Solomon Hill and Firetower Roads in Chapman, marked the culmination of efforts to replace all of the old 1953 markers that had deteriorated. The new marker is positioned close to the original 1953 marker site dedicated to the Creek Confederacy.
Billy Bailey, who works with the tribal historic preservation department for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, was also present at the dedication. He emphasized the importance of preserving Creek history.
“The Creek people were all over this area and most of them were removed. Our tribe happened to not be one that was moved, so the tribe is very adamant about preserving our history,” Bailey said. “This marker is part of that history preservation. We really appreciate the county for honoring our people.”
The event was followed by a reception at the Brushey Creek Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. This project was funded through the sponsorship of the Fort Dale Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and additional donations to BCHGS.
