Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point

Overview

Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point owes its name to a 19th-century plantation close to the site, which is in the Lower Mississippi Valley on a slightly elevated and narrow landform. The complex comprises five mounds, six concentric semi-elliptical ridges separated by shallow depressions and a central plaza. It was created and used for residential and ceremonial purposes by a society of hunter fisher-gatherers between 3700 and 3100 BP. It is a remarkable achievement in earthen construction in North America that was unsurpassed for at least 2,000 years.

Selection Criteria

(iii)

Components(1 location)

• •Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point1435

Details

Countries

United States of America

ISO Codes

US

Area

163 ha

Coordinates

32.6369, -91.4064