Frogmore Mound Site facts for kids
Frogmore Mound as viewed from US 84
|
|
 Location in Louisiana
|
|
| Location | Ferriday, Louisiana, Concordia Parish, Louisiana,  USA |
|---|---|
| Region | Concordia Parish, Louisiana |
| Coordinates | 31°36′17″N 91°40′15″W / 31.60466°N 91.67078°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 1020 CE |
| Abandoned | 1260 |
| Cultures | Late Coles Creek culture |
| Site notes | |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | earthwork |
| Architectural details | Number of monuments: 1 Number of temples: 1 |
| Responsible body: Private | |
|
Frogmore (16CO9)
|
|
| Location | Address restricted |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Ferriday, Louisiana |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000740 |
| Added to NRHP | July 28, 2004 |
The Frogmore Mound Site (also known as 16 CO 9) is an ancient archaeological site in Concordia Parish, Louisiana. It was built by people of the Late Coles Creek culture. This culture existed long ago in the southeastern United States. The site is about 7 miles (11 km) west of Ferriday, Louisiana. You can find it along US 84. In 2004, the Frogmore Mound Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important place to protect and learn about history.
Contents
What Is the Frogmore Mound Site?
The Frogmore Mound Site has a special platform mound and an old village area. A platform mound is a large, flat-topped hill made by people. The village area has "middens," which are ancient trash heaps. These middens show where people lived and what they ate. The whole site covers an area about 400 feet (122 meters) by 200 feet (61 meters).
The Ceremonial Structure
Long ago, there was a special walled building at the site. It was likely used for important ceremonies. This building was round, about 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) across. At some point, this structure was burned down. After it burned, people covered it with dirt.
How the Mound Was Built
A large mound was built right over the burned ceremonial structure. This mound was built in two main steps. These steps happened very close together in time. Today, the mound is about 14 feet (4 meters) tall. Its base is about 160 feet (49 meters) by 190 feet (58 meters). The flat top of the mound measures about 60 feet (18 meters) by 70 feet (21 meters).
Discovering the Past at Frogmore
Archaeologists have dug at the Frogmore site to learn more about it. They found pieces of charcoal from under the mound. By testing this charcoal, they learned the mound was built between 1020 and 1260 CE. This means it's nearly 1,000 years old!
Pottery Clues
Scientists also found pottery in the middens. The style of this pottery tells us about the people who lived there. It shows that the site was used during the Late Coles Creek period. This period lasted from about 700 to 1200 CE.
Location and Environment
The Frogmore site is in a wetlands area. It's near where two bayous, Otto Bayou and Brushy Bayou, meet. A bayou is a slow-moving stream or a marshy lake. The site is also close to an old path of the Mississippi River. This area was once a cotton plantation.
Why Was Frogmore Abandoned?
The mound was built on land that was once part of the Mississippi River's flood plain. Some experts believe the site was left empty because the Tensas River changed its course. The river moved about 2 miles (3.2 km) to the west. This change might have made the area less suitable for living.
What We Learned from Digs
Archaeologists have found many clues at Frogmore. The types of pottery found, how the walled structure was built, and the carbon dating of charcoal all help us understand the site's age. They confirm that the mound and village belong to the Coles Creek period. The site is a valuable window into the lives of ancient people in Louisiana.
