About
Poverty Point National Monument is an ancient earthwork site in Pioneer, Louisiana, at 6859 Highway 577. The facts give its location as Pioneer, Ohio, but the address places it in Louisiana, so visitors should confirm the location before setting out. It is also known as the Poverty Point World Heritage Site.
What you will see
The site is made up of earthwork mounds built by indigenous peoples between roughly 1700 and 1100 BCE. These are large, deliberately shaped landforms rather than ruins of buildings, and they give the site its character. It is a heritage site, so a visit is best approached as a walk through a very old landscape.
Poverty Point is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents one of the most significant prehistoric settlements in North America, which makes it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in early human history on the continent.
Planning your visit
- Address: 6859 Highway 577, Pioneer, LA 71266, United States
- Telephone: +1-318-926-5492
- Best suited to: visitors interested in archaeology, prehistory and heritage landscapes
For current opening times, admission details and any guided options, call ahead on the number above, as these are not covered here.
The surrounding area
The site sits in a rural part of northeast Louisiana, so it suits a visit planned as a dedicated outing rather than a quick stop. Allow time to walk the grounds at an unhurried pace and to read the interpretive material, which helps place the mounds in their long history.