Poverty Point National Monument, Louisiana

Mound at Poverty Point National Monument, Louisiana
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mound_A_at_Poverty_Point.jpg
Author: Kniemla


Poverty Point National Monument is a preserved prehistoric site in West Carroll Parish, Louisiana. It is situated at the Maçon Ridge, about 16 miles (26 km) from the Mississippi River.

Poverty Point has the remains of earthworks and mounds built by early Native Americans in the Archaic period, between 1650 BC and 700 BC. The people of that civilization lived in an area that extended for 100 miles (160 km) on the Mississippi Delta. Uncovered by archaeologists are remains to their settlement, including their temple complex and trading post.

Figurines at Poverty Point
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Poverty_Point_female_figurines_HRoe_2009.jpg
Author: Heironymous Rowe


Poverty Point is believed to be the largest and most complex earthwork settlement and ceremonial site of the Late Archaic period that has been discovered in North America. Serious studies of the area only began in the early part of the 20th century, and it was named after a plantation located in the area.

Poverty Point was made a National Historic Landmark on 13 June, 1962. The State of Louisiana bought a 400-acre (1.6 sq km) plot encompassing the site in 1972, and three years later, it was opened to the public as the Poverty Point Commemorative Area. A museum was set up to provide interpretation of the site. The Poverty Point National Monument was established on 31 October, 1988.

Visiting Poverty Point National Monument, Louisiana

Interstate 20 is the nearest interstate highway to Poverty Point. Turn off the highway at Delhi (Exit 153) then head north through Delhi town on State Route 17 till the town of Epps. There, turn right on State Route 134 until just before the Mississippi river, then turn left on State Route 577 and continue until you reach the site on your right.

The site is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The entrance fee is $2.00 per person aged 13 to 61, and free of seniors aged 62 and above, and childred aged below 13.

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