Louisiana has the second to largest American mound in the United States. The historical landmark is called Poverty Point. The huge mound is near Epps, Louisiana, in West Carroll Parish. The beautiful site was built by the Poverty Point Indians long ago. When the Poverty Point Indian tribes lived in Louisiana, they made their mark by creating this beautiful site. The largest mound in Poverty Point is called the Bird Effigy Mound. The Bird Effigy Mound is 3/4 mile across, 70 feet high, and looks like a bird when viewed. Louisiana has the second to largest American mound in the United States. The historical landmark is called Poverty Point. The huge mound is near Epps, Louisiana, in West Carroll Parish. The beautiful site was built by the Poverty Point Indians long ago. When the Poverty Point Indian tribes lived in Louisiana, they made their mark by creating this beautiful site. The largest mound in Poverty Point is called the Bird Effigy Mound. The Bird Effigy Mound is 3/4 mile across, 70 feet high, and looks like a bird when viewed. Epps, Louisiana (Wikipedia Map)

The site is was first thought to be a natural formation when discovered in However, aerial shots in the 1950s revealed the complexity and pattern of the earthwork. It was then determined that this was man made, not a natural formation. In 1962, Poverty Point was designated it as a National Historic Landmark. Photo from National Monument Center Poverty Point is a prehistoric archeological site dating between 1650 – 700 BC in northeastern Louisiana.

The Poverty Point Culture The Poverty Point Culture flourished from approximately 2000 B.C. to 600 B.C. Poverty Point people lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas areas. They usually settled near lakes, rivers, or in coastal marshes. Areas near water sources were supported by a wide variety of plants and animals that could be used for food. Deer, rabbits, geese, ducks, and turkeys flourished in this habitat. The Poverty Point Culture Photo by Theresa Hardy Photo by Jude Dubois

Some Poverty Point Indians lived in scattered groups, but others established areas where large populations lived, much like Meso-Indians. Often at these sites, oval or horseshoe-shaped structures of earth or shell were usually built. Though the reason is unknown, it appears that the sites possibly functioned as ceremonial, political, and trading centers. Wikipedia Photo: Poverty Point

The Poverty Point Site in northeastern Louisiana was the largest regional center. When it was built, it lay between the Mississippi and the Arkansas rivers. Using the river and land routes, Poverty Point Indians traded with other Indians as far away as Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Florida. Sources of Poverty Point Trade Materials Drawing by Denise A. Malter, Courtesy of Louisiana Division of Archaeology Graphic retrieved from Louisiana Archaeology Poverty Point Trade and Symbolic Objects:

The Poverty Point site covers an area of roughly 400 acres. Centrally located in the site are six curved earthen ridges with flat corridors of earth separating the individual ridges. Two ramps divide the ridges into three sections. Now each ridge is currently about a meter high. However, it is believed that they were once five feet high. The outer ridge diameter is three- quarters of a mile. The innermost ridges diameter is about three-eights of a mile. Wikipedia Photo: Poverty Point

The amazing thing is that to create this monument, the Indians loosened shells and stones and brought all of that to the mound. The artifacts in the ground can tell us a little about that time and the people who lived there. The amazing thing is that to create this monument, the Indians loosened shells and stones and brought all of that to the mound. The artifacts in the ground can tell us a little about that time and the people who lived there. Wikipedia Photo: Poverty Point

Although archaeologists have not found any articles of clothing from these ancient people, they have found jewelry. Of the jewelry found, they range from simple to elaborate. Many seem to feel this indicates that social status was important in the Poverty Point community. Stone Ornaments: Pendants, Beads, Effigies, Fat-Bellied Owls Graphic retrieved from Louisiana Archaeology Poverty Point Trade and Symbolic Objects: Photo is used in the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum for 8 th Grade.

The Poverty Point Culture no longer exists however, their tribe left a tremendous gift and a wonderful work of art for the state. Without a doubt, this is one group of people who truly made their mark for everyone to see! It is a true treasure of Louisiana! Wikipedia Photo

Poverty Point Earthworks: Evolutionary Milestones of the Americas Poverty Point National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) Poverty Point Earthworks: Evolutionary Milestones of the Americas--Video Clips Poverty Point Earthworks: Evolutionary Milestones of the Americas--Video Clips CRT - Louisiana State Parks Fees, Facilities and Activities Louisiana Archaeology Poverty Point Anthropological Study Series The Archaeology Channel - Poverty Point Earthworks: Evolutionary Milestones of the Americas The Archaeology Channel - Poverty Point Earthworks: Evolutionary Milestones of the Americas Indians in Louisiana: The Poverty Point Site Louisiana: Indians in Northeast Louisiana Poverty Point culture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Poverty Point Louisiana archaeology Poverty Point Expeditions Reference and Resource Links