Bipartisan Effort Launched to Establish Georgia’s First National Park at Ocmulgee Mounds

A bipartisan coalition of Georgia lawmakers, including U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), and U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, have reintroduced the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act. This legislation aims to designate the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as the state’s first National Park and Preserve.

Representative Austin Scott emphasized the broad support for the initiative, stating, “Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved. The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward.”

Representative Bishop highlighted the historical and economic benefits, saying, “By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty. Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

Senator Ossoff noted the progress made previously, stating, “We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia’s first ever National Park. I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia’s first national park.”

Senator Reverend Warnock underscored the cultural and economic importance of the site, saying, “Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve. I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

The House bill enjoys cosponsorship from 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation. The Ocmulgee Mounds area, the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, boasts a continuous human habitation history spanning over 12,000 years, featuring significant Mississippian Period mounds constructed around 900 CE.

Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation David Hill expressed strong support, stating, “The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way.”

Macon Mayor Pro Tempore Seth Clark highlighted the economic and conservation benefits, as well as the protection of national security interests at nearby Robins Air Force Base. The Georgia Chamber and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce also voiced their strong support for the legislation, emphasizing its potential to boost the regional economy and preserve a significant cultural landmark.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.