The LSU Campus Mounds are the oldest known human-made earthworks in the Americas. Recent studies estimate that the mounds could be up to 11,300 years old, updating previous studies that estimated they were built 6,000 years ago. Because of their age, the mounds are at risk of deterioration. Scientists have found that one of the mounds has an unstable interior due to its watery soil composition, and both are susceptible to erosion and vibrations from nearby streets. These archaeological and cultural treasures require preservation and protection from factors that may cause damage.