Mound E

Mound E is nearly 13 feet high and about 300 by 360 feet at its base. It once extended an estimated 90 feet or so south of the park property, but that portion no longer stands. The mound also has a ramp-like projection to the northeast that may be a historic-era modification. For many years it was believed to be a naturally occurring rise, and no artifacts were found in the fill or immediate area. Because of its shape, it was further suggested that the mound was a natural rise sculpted by people. It was finally determined, however, that the mound contained kinds of soil that could not occur together naturally, showing that it was built by people. Like Mound B, the original topsoil was removed before construction began. Excavation and soil cores indicate that it was then built in five stages, including three flat-topped platforms, with the first two having prepared surfaces. Unlike Mound B, it was not capped with a conical mantle of soil. No charcoal has been recovered from Mound E, so radiocarbon dates have not been obtained, but the degree of soil development indicates that it likely dates to the early part of the Poverty Point timeframe of 1700 to 1100 B.C.

Louisiana · United States