Poverty Point has long been known for its rich cultural heritage. Years of conservation, preservation, archaeological research, and interpretive development resulted in the 2014 designation of the Monumental Earthworks of Poverty Point as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List records the world's most remarkable properties, both cultural and natural, that are significant to all of humanity. The site includes a massive earthen complex with six mounds, six concentric C-shaped ridges, and an expansive plaza. Built roughly 3,500 years ago, Poverty Point remained unmatched in the U.S. in size and complexity for nearly 2,000 years. The site is also outstanding for its widespread trade network and variety of artifacts, all created by a community of hunter-gatherers.
