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Poverty Point

Delhi, Louisiana
County of West Carroll.
12 miles north of Delhi on Bayou Macon
National Register Number: 66000382
 Resource type: Site.
The threat level was Satisfactory in
2008.
Congressional District: LA-5 Certified Local Government: NO
This NHL offers public access.
Please contact the NHL directly for visitor information.
Current use/information: State-owned area is open to the public: http://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/parks/poverty/pvertypt.htm.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - June 13, 1962):
Poverty Point is the largest and most complex Late Archaic (4000 to 2500 B.P.) earthwork occupation and ceremonial site yet found in North America. The site is dominated by the immense Poverty Point Mound A, which is 640' by 710' in base dimension, and rises to a height of nearly 70'. First noted in the scientific literature in 1872, it was not until the early 1950's, with aerial photography, that the six concentric earthen ridges, became apparent. These earthworks, plus five other earthen mounds (Mounds B-E and Motley Mound) comprise the Landmark. It has been identified as a possible World Heritage Site.

Condition:
There are no threats indicated.

Completed a Section 14, Streambank project with the Army Corp of Engineers in October 2007. Harlin Bayou was eroding an area behind Mound B and the research dormitory. Both areas are now stable as a result of the project.


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