Louisiana is famous for Mardi Gras, gumbo, and jazz music, but did you know that it’s home to an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site? Poverty Point State Historic Site preserves what remains of a massive earthworks complex. Sometime between 1700 and 1100 BC, an ancient indigenous culture constructed this impressive site in northeastern Louisiana over generations. It was rediscovered by Americans in the 19th century and named after a plantation that was on the site.
Poverty Point consists of six semi-circular mounds, somewhat resembling an ancient Burning Man set up or rainbow, as well as six additional mounds.
Justice AMW/Google When the site was constructed, it was the largest earthworks in the Western Hemisphere at the time.
At 72 feet at its highest point, the tallest mound on the site is known as Mound A.
Zephyr_Travel/TripAdvisor Different interpretations of the mound see it as an effigy mound of a bird or of an “earth island.” It’s one of the largest mounds in North America.
Based on what’s been found on the site, archeologists believe the site was used for ceremonial and trade purposes.
TokyoNori/TripAdvisor No human remains have been found on the site, so unlike many other North American mounds, these were not constructed for burial purposes.
The builders moved 78 tons of rocks and minerals from as far as 800 miles away to construct the mounds. This was an unrivaled ceremonial and residential center in its heyday.
Kris Fam/Google
The park features a hiking trail that loops through the park and passes by all the mounds. It also skirts past a bayou overlook.
Andrew Flick/Google Imagine people thousands of years ago hunting for food here!
A small visitor center helpfully interprets the site for guests and explains the historical significance of the mounds. The center’s museum displays artifacts found on the site including arrowheads.
Brent Barnard/Google
Poverty Point State Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on admission, programs, and the site’s history, check out the park’s website.
Justice AMW/Google
When the site was constructed, it was the largest earthworks in the Western Hemisphere at the time.
Zephyr_Travel/TripAdvisor
Different interpretations of the mound see it as an effigy mound of a bird or of an “earth island.” It’s one of the largest mounds in North America.
TokyoNori/TripAdvisor
No human remains have been found on the site, so unlike many other North American mounds, these were not constructed for burial purposes.
Kris Fam/Google
Andrew Flick/Google
Imagine people thousands of years ago hunting for food here!
Brent Barnard/Google
Have you visited the mounds at Poverty Point? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
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Address: Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
