Norman, Montgomery County, Arkansas
Driving into Norman, Arkansas the trail is on the the left. There is a brief rectangular loop walk around the field with 25 informational panels in four clusters and Caddo life and nature with the Caddo River on the west side. The site is located on a low terrace next to the confluence of Huddleston Creek and the Caddo River. The area has flooded.
Caddo Indian burials were exposed accidently during construction at the site in October 1988. Archeological excavations, an 80 x100 ft area, by Ann M. Early indentified two burials, a small cluster of residential features and artifacts dating from the Archiac, Woodland Fourche Maline and Mississippian Caddoan period. After these studies, the remains were re-buried by the Caddo nation and the site covered for protection. Two Caddo period site occupations between A.D. 1250 -1500 are inferred based on the materials discovered. The remains of a large circular house 50ft in diameter with hearth and later use as a cemetery. Charcoal from the hearth was radiocarbon dated to A.D. 1260-1290.
Caddo Indian Memorial Prayer
Blessed are all who enter here, for this is hallowed ground.
Look around and hear the heartbeat of a different time!
My ancestors are buried here... amongst Nature,
Holy are the beauties of this earth,
Holy are the glories of the skies above.
Feel their essence in the air, exalted in the sunshine and the clouds.
Each leaf, each tree, each insect, beloved parts of the whole of creation
Not to be done without.
Here, I remember Grandmother's long gray braids, once shiny, black as satin.
Her cooking pot full of hearty stew, rich aroma whetting my appetite;
Her daily chanting, comforting as the chirping of birds.
I miss her warmth, her knowing eyes.
Grandfather too, who now dwells by her side.
He taught me to hunt game, made my first bow and arrows with his gnarled hands,
Showed me respect for the gifts of the earth.
Fishing with Grandfather on the river not only brought food,
but was one of the real pleasure's of life.
Feel the presence within these grounds you encircle for health and knowledge.
Take time to walk a little taller, to feel more alive.
Breath deep of the soil,
You will strive for excellence and be better than you were when first you
arrived.
Enjoy my family.
Enjoy my people.
Know that in truth we are all one.
Caddo River, Feb. 2020 and a Sweet Gum tree with a River Birch (white bark) down
the right bank.
Just south of here on AR 8, about 6 miles (7 minutes) is the village of Caddo Gap.