Russell Cave National Monument:
The Southeast's Most Complete Record Through Time
by Melanie B. Bradford, Section #6 of 7

The Real Significance of the Findings:

The true significance of Russell Cave is that it is the most complete archaeological record in the southeastern United States. This is true whether Russell Cave were to date back to the Archaic period (7,000 BC) or to the Paleo period (Before 12,000 BC). In either case, Russell Cave is the most complete archaeological site in the Southeast. As Larry Beane, NPS Park Ranger and archaeologist, aptly said when asked to describe the importance of the cave, "There are older places and neater places, but there is not a more complete place."

It is the vastness of the artifacts over a definite time period that makes Russell Cave so complete.

How Does Russell Cave Care For the Artifacts?

Miller's artifacts remained at the Smithsonian Institute until 1996. At that time the artifacts were relocated to the University of Alabama at Moundville Archaeological Park to be studied and preserved more effectively.

The entire collection of NPS artifacts from Russell Cave reside at the NPS Southeast Archaeolocial Center (SEAC) in Tallahassee, Florida. SEAC is equipped to provide expert care for the artifacts. All artifacts are catalogued and stored in secure, environmentally-controlled containers to prevent deterioration or damage.

Russell Cave does exhibit a few "artifacts" in the museum. However, the majority of "artifacts" displayed are identical reproductions. All reproductions are listed as such so visitors realize what they are viewing.

Russell Cave is not a burial site. Despite the thousands of years humans lived at Russell Cave, only twelve burials have been found in the cave. However, in respect to the local Native Americans and in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), NPS artifacts, and all human remains found in Russell Cave have been inventoried and these inventory lists given to all Native American groups descended from the early inhabitants. In addition, no burial objects are displayed in the museum.

Click on the links below to view Artifacts

• The Paleo-Indians
• The Archaic Indians
• The Mississippian Indians
• The Woodland Indians

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