We have visited several NPS units that are focused on mounds but this was the most unique. Poverty Point is located in a remote, rural part of Northeastern Louisiana not too far from Vicksburg, MS. The park consists of several mounds dating from about 2000 BC, some quite large and some configured in concentric “C” shapes with the open end facing the largest mound. This park’s Visitor Center was open - it included an interesting but small museum. There are trails here across both open and wooded land. The Park Service constructed steps to the top of the large mound; from there you can see many of the mounds and the stadium-like area where the “C” mounds were constructed. It took tens of thousands of baskets of rock and soil to build these earthen platforms, and no studies have completely verified their purpose. The large mound had a secondary flat space that they believe was used for sport. We also did a five mile driving tour through the park.

We camped in Poverty Point Reservoir State Park a few miles south of the park. We also visited the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, LA. Many of General Chennault’s personal items were on display, and several aircraft were being restored at an adjacent facility.

Cadillac’s Viewpoint: I did look good standing on top of the tall mound where, if I were king, I could look at my subjects. But I have not found out how to run for king …yet. Cadillac’s Elevation 1.5 Antlers