Fitzhugh Mounds facts for kids
Plate XXXIX Ancient Works in Madison Parish, La
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 Location in Louisiana
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| Location | Mound, Louisiana, Madison Parish, Louisiana,  USA |
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| Region | Madison Parish, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 32°19′14.6″N 91°4′49.3″W / 32.320722°N 91.080361°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 700 CE |
| Abandoned | 1541 |
| Periods | Fitzhugh Phase |
| Cultures | Plaquemine culture |
| Site notes | |
| Responsible body: private | |
The Fitzhugh Mounds are an amazing archaeological site in Madison Parish, Louisiana. This place was once home to ancient people from the Plaquemine and Mississippian periods. They lived here between about 1200 and 1541 CE.
This site is very important for understanding the Fitzhugh Phase. This phase describes a specific time (1350-1500 CE) in the history of the Tensas Basin Plaquemine Mississippian culture.
What Are the Fitzhugh Mounds?
The Fitzhugh Mounds site was once a large complex with seven platform mounds. These mounds were like big, flat-topped hills built by people. Four of these mounds were placed around a central open area, which is called a plaza. Imagine a big town square surrounded by these impressive earthen structures!
The site was first written about in 1848. This was in a famous book called Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley by E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis. Their book helped people learn about many ancient sites across the United States.
What Happened to the Mounds?
Sadly, many of the mounds at Fitzhugh have been damaged over time. The largest mound, which was about 30 feet (9.1 m) tall, was completely removed. Its earth was used as fill when Interstate 20 was being built.
Other mounds have also been affected by farming. Local farmers have plowed over them many times. Because of this, only two of the original seven mounds are still clearly visible today.
- Mound B is about 10 feet (3.0 m) tall.
- Mound D is around 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. This mound is also used as a historic cemetery.
Where Are the Mounds Located?
The Fitzhugh Mounds site is found in Louisiana. It is located on State Highway 602. You can find it about 4 miles (6.4 km) south-southwest of where Highway 602 meets I-20.
