The Old Beloved Path examines the lifestyles of the native American peoples of the Chattahoochee region of southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. Organized chronologically, the book describes the region’s cultures in the Early, Middle, and Late Prehistoric periods. Fascinating essays illuminate origin myths, clan structures, townships (or tulwa), spirituality, diseases and medicine, social customs, and sports and games. The Old Beloved Path also describes foodways—native plants gathered and cultivated for food and game animals. Also included is a rich discussion of material culture and natural materials native Americans collected for food, clothing, shelter, and tools. 

William F. Keegan is Chairman and Curator of Caribbean Anthropology, Department of Natural History, at the Florida Museum of Natural History. He also serves as Associate director for Research and Collections. He holds affiliate appointments as Professor of Anthropology and Curator of Latin American Studies at the University of Florida. He is also affiliate faculty in the College of Natural Resources and the Environment. Lisabeth A. Carlson is a Senior Archaeologist with Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc. (SEARCH) in Jonesville, Florida. William W. Winn is the former editorial page editor for the Columbus (Georgia) Ledger-Enquirer and is a contributor to the New Georgia Guide.

"Winn takes his readers on a sightseeing journey down The Old Beloved Path—the venerated tribal traditions as recollected by the elders and handed down generation after generation. He combines his research skills and journalistic talents to produce a well-written account of the Indians who inhabited the Chattahoochee River Valley. . .[for the] early period Winn makes excellent use of what there is to reconstruct the life of the people; [but] the middle and late prehistoric periods come vividly to life. He also imparts a genuine sense of humanity to his subjects. This book is well researched and certainly fills a gap in our understanding of southeastern Indian life, particularly that of the Creeks." —Georgia Historical Quarterly

“Winn’s study of the Indians who inhabited the Chattahoochee River Valley is aimed at the general reader and students. He covers the physical characteristics of the area in great detail and provides information on how Indian groups met their physical, social, and spiritual needs. Winn details what he terms the ‘seasonal round’ as the inhabitants, masters of the local environment, shifted to take advantage of abundant game, fish, and wild plants. Discussion of what the author calls the ‘wilderness school’ will interest those curious about firemaking, collection and use of wild plants, and manufacture of tools, weapons, and domestic needs. Also discussed are the major mound sites, their archaeology, and their probable function in the societies that erected them. With a pleasing narrative style . . . Winn discusses native peoples and their culture with respect.” —Alabama Review