Posted in Louisiana September 28, 2020 by

The Earthworks At Louisiana’s Poverty Point Look Like Something From Another Planet

Long before there were Cajuns, there was a community that lived along Bayou Macon over 3,000 years ago. They didn’t leave much behind, forcing archaeologists and historians to piece together the puzzles through artifacts found through digs and research throughout the years. Few places can compare to Poverty Point in Louisiana, one of the most historic hidden gems in the Pelican State. Let’s check it out.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Welcome to Poverty Point, one of Louisiana’s most historic hidden gems.
GoVols/Trip Advisor
You’ll find it in the tiny town of Pioneer in the northeast side of Louisiana. The address is 6859 LA Hwy 577 Pioneer, LA 71266.
Whether you visit alone or with family, Poverty Point offers something for just about everyone.
Trover/Google
When history and hiking combine, you know you're in for a great day.
Poverty Point has a history that’s more than 3,000 years old.
Wikimedia/Maximilian Dörrbecker
Built by hand, Poverty Point is truly an incredible sight to behold. From an arial view, you’ll notice that it looks like a series of concentric half-circles and mounds nestled around the bayou.
In its heyday, the result was massive earthworks, some topping over 70 feet tall.
Wade Huber/Google
These massive structures were the biggest earthworks for over 2,000 years. Taking multiple generations to complete, it's truly a mystery how something so massive was built, and why.
This historic World Heritage Site is still quite the mystery, but we are slowly piecing together the day-to-day lives of this community that lived here so many years ago.
Franklin Naval/Google
Since there were left no written words behind, historians have has to piece together their lives through artifacts uncovered.
When you visit, you’ll see all of the incredible tools and artifacts that have been found at Poverty Point.
Terri J./Trip Advisor
Spear points, clay pots, hunting tools, and eating utensils are just a few of the items they’ve found.
There’s a 2.6-mile hiking trail that will take you around the site.
Sam Wylie/Google
You’ll be able to walk all around the beautiful grounds and see these mounds up close.
You'll find interpretive signs along the way so you'll know what you're looking at as you walk down the path.
Antele Sanlas/Google
You'll learn the difference between the mounds, when each one was built, and what historians believe it was used for.

Poverty Point is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, be sure to check out the Poverty Point website and give it a follow on Facebook.

Have you ever visited Poverty Point? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

Address: 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA