Trudeau Landing facts for kids
Location | Tunica, Louisiana, West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, ![]() |
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Region | West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana |
History | |
Founded | 1731 |
Abandoned | 1764 |
Cultures | Tunica people |
Site notes | |
Excavation dates | 1970s |
Architecture | |
Architectural details | Number of monuments: |
Trudeau Landing
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Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
Built | 1731 |
Architectural style | Native American village and burial site |
NRHP reference No. | 77000679 |
Added to NRHP | June 17, 1977 |
Responsible body: private |
The Trudeau Landing Site is an important archaeological site in Tunica, Louisiana, United States. It is also known as Tunica Village or Trudeau. This place was once home to the Tunica people, a Native American tribe. Later, a European plantation was built here.
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What is the Trudeau Landing Site?
The Trudeau Landing Site is an ancient village and burial ground. It shows us how the Tunica people lived long ago. The site is located in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. It was used by the Tunica tribe from about 1731 to 1764.
Discovering Ancient Treasures
In the 1960s, some items were found at the site. These items were buried with people in over 100 graves. They were important artifacts and family treasures of the Tunica tribe. A local person took many of these items. The Tunica people were very upset because their ancestors' graves were disturbed. They felt their valuable heritage had been taken.
Archaeologists Explore the Site
In the 1970s, expert archaeologists began to study the site. They carefully dug up the area to learn more. They found many old pots, European trade goods, and other artifacts. These items were left by the Tunica people between 1731 and 1764. These discoveries helped us understand the Tunica tribe's history.
Bringing History Home: The Tunica Treasure Lawsuit
The Tunica tribe wanted their ancient treasures back. With help from the State of Louisiana, they went to court. They filed a lawsuit to get legal ownership of the artifacts. This legal battle lasted for ten years.
A Landmark Decision for Native Americans
The court's decision was a huge victory for the Tunica people. It became a very important case for all Native Americans in the United States. This ruling helped create a new Federal law. This law is called the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). It was passed in 1990. NAGPRA helps protect Native American graves and cultural items. The court case also helped prove the long history of the Tunica people. This helped them gain official recognition from the state and federal governments.
A Special Museum for Tunica History
Today, the Tunica-Biloxi tribe has a museum. It is located in Marksville, Louisiana. This museum was built to keep and display the recovered artifacts. It is also a place where people can learn about Tunica history. The museum helps preserve their culture for future generations.