Feltus Mound Site facts for kids
 Location in Mississippi
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| Location | Fayette, Mississippi, Jefferson County, Mississippi,  USA |
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| Region | Jefferson County, Mississippi |
| Coordinates | 31°44′47.62″N 91°15′37.08″W / 31.7465611°N 91.2603000°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 700 CE |
| Abandoned | 1000 CE |
| Cultures | Coles Creek culture |
The Feltus Mound Site (also known as the Ferguson Mounds or the Truly Mounds) is a very old archaeological site in Jefferson County, Mississippi, USA. It is about 24 kilometres (15 mi) north of Natchez. This site was built by people from the Coles Creek culture. They lived there between 700 CE and 1000 CE.
The site has four large platform mounds. These mounds are built-up hills of earth. They are grouped around a central open space called a plaza. One of the four mounds has been flattened over time.
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What Are Mounds?
Mounds are big hills of earth. They were built by ancient people. These people often used baskets to carry soil. They would pile it up to create these large structures.
Mounds were important for many reasons. They could be used for ceremonies or special events. Sometimes, important buildings were placed on top of them. They also showed the power of the community.
Who Were the Coles Creek People?
The Coles Creek culture was a group of Native American people. They lived in the Lower Mississippi River Valley. This was from about 700 CE to 1200 CE. They are known for building many earth mounds.
These people were skilled farmers. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted animals and gathered wild plants. Their villages were often near rivers. This made travel and trade easier.
Their Way of Life
The Coles Creek people lived in organized societies. They had leaders and religious figures. Their communities often had a central plaza. This was a gathering place for everyone.
They also made pottery. Their pottery often had special designs. These designs can help archaeologists learn about their beliefs. They traded goods with other groups. This helped their culture grow.
Why Is This Site Important?
The Feltus Mound Site helps us learn about the past. It shows how people lived long ago. Archaeologists study sites like this. They dig carefully to find clues.
These clues include tools, pottery, and remains of buildings. They help us understand ancient cultures. The Feltus Mound Site is a window into the Coles Creek culture. It tells us about their daily lives and beliefs.
What Is a Plaza?
In ancient sites like Feltus Mound, a plaza was a central open area. It was like a town square. People would gather there for many reasons.
They might hold ceremonies or public meetings. It was a place for community life. The mounds often surrounded the plaza. This showed the importance of the central space.
The Mounds at Feltus
The Feltus Mound Site originally had four mounds. They were arranged around the plaza. These mounds were likely used for different purposes. One mound might have held a chief's house. Another could have been for religious ceremonies.
Over many centuries, one of the mounds was leveled. This means it was flattened. This could have happened naturally over time. Or, it might have been changed by later human activity. Even with one mound gone, the site still tells an important story.
