Murphy Mound Archeological Site facts for kids
View from the south
|
|
 Location in Missouri
|
|
| Location | Caruthersville, Missouri, Pemiscot County, Missouri,  USA |
|---|---|
| Region | Pemiscot County, Missouri |
| Coordinates | 36°9′10″N 89°41′40″W / 36.15278°N 89.69444°W |
| History | |
| Founded | 1350 CE |
| Abandoned | 1541 CE |
| Periods | Late Mississippian period |
| Cultures | Middle Mississippian culture |
| Site notes | |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | platform mound |
| Architectural details | Number of monuments: |
|
Murphy Mound Archeological Site
|
|
| NRHP reference No. | 69000119 |
| Added to NRHP | May 21, 1969 |
| Responsible body: Private | |
The Murphy Mound Archeological Site (23 PM 43) is an ancient place in the Missouri Bootheel part of Missouri, USA. It's near Caruthersville, Missouri in Pemiscot County, Missouri. This site was once home to people from the Mississippian culture. They lived here many hundreds of years before Europeans came to America.
Contents
What is the Murphy Mound?
The Murphy Mound is a large platform mound. A platform mound is a big, flat-topped hill made by people. It was likely used for important buildings or ceremonies. This mound is now covered with trees. It might be the largest Mississippian culture mound in all of Missouri.
When Were People Here?
Archaeologists are still working to find the exact dates people lived at Murphy Mound. Some studies suggest people lived here from about 1200 CE to 1400 CE. Other studies, looking at pottery found at the site, suggest people lived there from about 1350 CE until 1541 CE.
What Was Found at the Site?
Archaeologists have done some digging at the site. They found a special burial area, like an ancient cemetery. From this area, they learned about how people buried their dead. They found different ways people were buried, which helps us understand their customs.
Some ancient pots from the site are now on display. You can see them at the University of Missouri Museum of Anthropology.
Protecting the Site
The Murphy Mound Archeological Site is on private land. This means it is not open for people to visit.
In 1969, the Murphy Mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history. It was the very first site in Pemiscot County, Missouri to be put on this list. Being on this list helps protect the site for the future.
