Many unique places are located throughout Alabama just waiting to be discovered. One in particular is the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall. To learn all about this stone wall, including what makes it truly special, take a look below.
The Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall is located just off the Natchez Trace Parkway in Florence, Alabama. Measuring more than one mile, it’s the longest unmortared wall in the U.S.
google/Tim Tippett
Tom Hendrix built this unique wall, which took more than 30 years, to honor his great-great-grandmother, Te-lah-nay. She was part of the Yuchi Indian Tribe that was forced off their land, which was located along the Tennessee River in the 1800s. She, along with her sister, Whana-le, were sent to the Indian Territory of Oklahoma during the movement that was later known as the Trail of Tears.
google/David Jones
Because Te-lah-nay’s journey back home was made one step at a time, Mr. Hendrix built his wall one stone at a time. His wall also has several high and low spots, which are also reflective of his great-great-grandmother’s journey. The Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall is also the largest memorial built to honor a Native American Woman.
flickr/laura.bell
The streams and rivers in Oklahoma didn’t sing to her like the Tennessee River back home (aka “The Singing River”), so she walked back to her home in Alabama. The journey took five years.
google/tim N michele Davis
One of the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall’s most popular features is its Prayer Circle. In this special spot, visitors are invited to sit and meditate. It’s such a calm and peaceful place.
flickr/laura.bell
Another feature visitors quickly notice is the wall’s many “faces.” The stones that were used to build the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall come from more than 120 countries. Several of them resemble faces, which are both haunting and fascinating.
google/Jami Long
Over the years, visitors from all over the world have left tributes to Te-lah-nay, including jewelry, dream catchers, trinkets, and more.
flickr/laura.bell
During your visit, you’ll also notice red ribbons hanging from the trees. These are Prayer Ribbons.
flickr/laura.bell
The next time you’re in the Florence, Alabama area, consider visiting the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall. It’s a definite must-see!
google/J For more information about the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, click here. Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Have you ever visited the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall? If so, what did you think? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
google/Tim Tippett
google/David Jones
flickr/laura.bell
google/tim N michele Davis
google/Jami Long
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For more information about the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, click here. Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Another great place that’s located off the Natchez Trace Parkway in Florence, Alabama is the Rock Spring Nature Trail. For information about this short and easy trail, be sure to take a look at the following article: Explore A Small Natural Spring While Hiking Alabama’s Rock Spring Nature Trail.
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Address: 13890 Lauderdale County 8, Florence, AL 35633, USA
