If you ask people in Macon for directions to the Ocmulgee National Monument you might be met with a blank stare. But, if you ask them how to get to the Indian Mounds almost anyone can show you the way.
That confusion prompted Macon officials to visit Congress last week. They are pushing to change the name from Ocmulgee National Monument to Ocmulgee Mounds National Monument. They told a congressional committee the current name causes confusion because most Maconites simply refer to the 702-acre park with anciant burial sites as the Indian Mounds. Any name change would require congressional approval.
Jim David is the Superintendent at the monument. He is in favor of the name change because he's seen the confusion firsthand.
"I've introduced myself at social situations and told them I'm Superintendent of Ocmulgee National Monument and I've learned to recognize the look of complete, no idea what I'm talking about, until I say the Indian Mounds, and all of the sudden they go, I love that place."
David says the National Park Service and Native American tribes support the change as well. He expects Congress to approve it some time next year.

Tags: Macon, GA., Ocmulgee National Monument, National Park Service