After the big town on the Macon Plateau declined, a new village appeared about 2 miles away on a high area in the river swamps.  This palisaded town, which archeologists called Lamar after the property owners, was the site of two mounds.  It's artifacts are a blend of Mississippian elements and those identified with the earlier Woodland Period people of the area.  One of these mounds is ascended by a spiral ramp - the only one of its kind still known to exist in this country.  In 1540, Spaniard Hernando DeSoto's expedition encountered many towns inhabited by people of the Lamar culture, which was named for this site.  The 45-acre Lamar Mounds and Village Unit of Ocmulgee National Monument is detached from the Main Unit and is located in the Ocmulgee River swamps. It is open to visititors only by permit, which may be obtained at the park's Museum/Visitor Center, or by going on one of the two annual Ranger-led field trips (see Calendar of Events).