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The Native American Site Found In Mississippi Is A Historical Wonder

Winterville Mounds in Mississippi is one of the largest and tallest Native American mound sites in the U.S., offering a rich historical experience.

Published Sep 28, 2021

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

Mississippi boasts some incredible historic sites, including Winterville Mounds, one of the biggest Native American mound sites in the U.S.! Not only is the site revered for its size, but one of the mounds is among the tallest in the U.S. It’s truly a historical wonder that everyone should visit at least once.

One of the best places to soak in some Native American history in Mississippi is the Winterville Mounds site in Greenville.

Sign for Winterville Mounds surrounded by green grass and trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
ERROL DILLON/Google

Once a site for sacred ceremonies, the mounds were built by ancestors of the Chickasaws and Choctaws.

A grassy landscape featuring a large earth mound and an informational sign under a blue sky with clouds.
mdah.ms.gov

Though built around 1000 – 1450 AD, the site wasn’t discovered until the mid 19th century! Excavations began years later, in 1907.

Three men working at a dig site, with one man entering a tunnel and two others digging nearby under a canopy.
Jimmy Smith/Flickr

Now a National Historic Landmark, the site is among the biggest Native American Mound sites in the U.S. What’s more, it contains a 55-foot mound, which is one of the 10 tallest in the nation.

Sign describing Winterville Mounds, a significant archaeological site from the Mississippi Period, highlighting its history and features.
washingtoncounty.ms

It’s believed that the site originally contained at least 23 mounds. Today, there are 12 prehistoric Native American mounds as well as two large plazas.

A grassy landscape with a sign about a historical mound in the background under a blue sky with clouds.
ki0ki/TripAdvisor

The grounds are free to visit and open to the public daily, from dawn to dusk.

A grassy landscape featuring a large, grassy mound under a clear blue sky with scattered trees in the background.
David Wagner/Google

A great visit for all ages, the mounds are accompanied by signage, which explains everything, from the significance of the mounds to the massive amounts of labor required to build them.

A sign titled "A Step Back in Time" near a pond, featuring illustrations and information about historical practices.
Julie Hysom/Google

In addition to the mounds, the grounds include a visitor center and museum.

A grassy mound with a small entrance, surrounded by trees and a parking area under a partly cloudy sky.
ERROL DILLON/Google

However, it should be noted that both the visitor center and museum are currently closed for renovations.

Sign about archaeological findings, discussing the importance of pottery shards and reconstruction of vessels by Jeffrey Brain.
mdah.ms.gov

Wow! The Winterville Mounds are certainly an incredible piece of history, don’t you think? To learn more about the Winterville Mounds, click here. And remember, to like Winterville Mounds on Facebook to stay in-the-know regarding closures, events, and more.

So, did you know about this Native American site in Mississippi? Ever seen the Winterville Mounds in person? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!

There are tons of historic sites in Mississippi worth exploring. Click here for historic landmarks everyone resident should visit at least once.

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