Visitors to Lake Guntersville State Park learn about William Bartram’s explorations in Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Gruber)
As one of the first people to experience Alabama’s incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife, 18th century explorer William Bartram traversed much of central and south Alabama during a three-year period of exploration from 1775-1778. He extensively documented the plants, animals and native tribes in what is now the Southeast U.S.
To commemorate that period of discovery and the vast contributions of this early adventurer, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ State Parks Division is teaming up with Auburn University to highlight Bartram’s travels through Alabama with a traveling display that will be showcased at 12 Alabama State Parks, starting at Lake Guntersville State Park, where the exhibit is currently on display until Feb. 1, 2026…