Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July to you, your family and friends!  As we head into this wonderful summer holiday, the Fourth of July holiday offers a reminder of our nation’s origins.  Right here in our nation’s capital, there abounds opportunities to explore the historical locations and sites of our founding fathers. As you view the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument, have you ever considered what was here before this city became Washington DC?  Interestingly there are still amazing sites to see of the remnants of the Native American tradition and of their sacred sites.

Native American Sacred Sites:

Native American

Native American Sacred Sites

 

The long July weekend offers an opportunity to get outside and explore the sacred sites of Native Americans.  You don’t have to go far to learn of the Algonquian peoples who originally inhabited the area of Washington DC, as well as a good part of New England and over into Michigan.  As you visit the National Museum of American Indians, pay close attention to the outside before entering the museum.  All Native Americans feel that we are closely connected to plants, animals, rocks and the land.  Our interconnectedness means that what is in one person or plant or animal is in everyone. (And ironically just last week scientific researchers provided further clarification on what they call Quantum Entanglement, and how we are connected in the Great Universe.)

 

The Native Americans further believe that our ancestors are around us all of the time. They are here to help guide and support us.  To represent our ancestors, the museum kept with Native American tradition and placed 40 large uncarved Grandfather rocks near the front of the museum to greet you.  (Be sure to greet them back! Remember it’s all connected!)

Ohio’s Serpent Mound:

Not in the local DC region?  No worries.  There are Native American sacred sites in all 50 States.  A fascinating one is receiving international attention in Ohio and known as “Serpent Mound.”  It is a prehistoric effigy mound that is over 1300 feet long.  It is currently believed that the ceremonial mound was created by the Adena culture between 800 B.C.- A.D.100 and later by the Fort Ancient culture.   People around the globe visit Serpent Mound to ponder its use and historical significance.

 

Devil's Tower

Native American Sacred Site: Devil’s Tower

Wyoming’s Devil’s Tower:

Even if you go out West, there are plenty of sacred sites to see.  Head to Wyoming to view the Devil’s Tower, a geologic wonder where Native Americans have for hundreds of years held this space as sacred land.  Take a moment to look at the picture of Devil’s Tower.  In one Native American legend, a giant bear clawed the mountain to chase several young maidens.  His claw marks still remain to this day.

Virginia’s “Bridge of God”:

If you don’t want to travel out West but instead are staying in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Take a moment to visit with the Monacan Native American tribe and their sacred site known as the Natural Bridge.  The bridge is 215 feet tall and is close to Lace Falls that has a 30 foot cascade.  The Native Americans reportedly have named their sacred site “The Bridge of God” as it invokes the “wow” factor by those who visit.

We Are Connected…

No matter the State that you are visiting, the Native Americans have always dedicated beautiful spots to connect with something larger than just one person.  They have paid a tribute to the wonders throughout the United States, and more importantly have recognized how we are all truly connected — connected to the water, land, plants, animals, birds and other humans.

What sacred site will you explore this July Fourth?  Enjoy!