This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

Poverty Point, Claiborne, and UNESCO
Russell B. Guerin
First, Poverty Point. LA
My introduction to Poverty Point in Louisiana occurred aboard a plane to Mexico, sometime in the early 1960s. I was on my way to experience some of the joys of seeing the ruins of ancient civilizations, specifically those of the Maya in Yucatan.
In a chance conversation with another passenger, I was asked a question which might have embarrassed me for my ignorance except for the fact that the question held so much promise. I do not remember the exact words, but essentially he asked, why was I going to Mexico while in Louisiana we have one of the most important prehistoric sites in the United States?
The inquirer turned out to be an archaeologist. He was friendly and did not mean to challenge me. He meant simply to inform me of something I knew nothing about, even though I was bom and raised in Louisiana. His description was brief but impressive. I made a mental note of Poverty Point and resolved to see it sometime in the future.
I have now been there several times. I can forgive myself for my ignorance in the 60’s when I contemplate that years later it might still be difficult to engage many of my friends in a knowledgeable discussion of Poverty Point.
I do not presume to offer an in-depth discussion of this beautiful prehistoric area. Much can be found in extensive articles, with pictures, by the click of a mouse. I will say merely that it is located in the northeast comer of the state, near the tiny little city of Epps. The area is not heavily populated, and were it not for the presence of Poverty Point it would not be of great significance. But the site is in fact one of the largest earthworks in the country, dating back 3500 to 3700 years, plus or minus a couple of centuries. It consists of several mounds and a series of horseshoe-shaped ridges, inside of which must have been a large plaza. It would have taken a very large population of a highly organized community to construct such a site.
Louisiana’s Office of Cultural Development says the following:
What Is Special about the Poverty Point Site?
•	The earthworks are massive: 5 mounds and 6 C-shaped ridges surround a huge plaza.
•	The geometric design is unique in the world and is a masterpiece of engineering.
•	The site is 3,500 years old.
•	At the time the earthworks were constructed, they were the largest in North America.
•	The site was the major political, trading, and ceremonial center of its day in North
America.
•	The people who built and lived at the site did not raise crops.
UNESCO
So, after all these years, what’s new? What is new is that Poverty Point has been nominated to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 962 sites in 157 countries, including such as the pyramids of Giza and Machu Picchu. In the US, there are only 21 World Heritage sites.
1