Jordan Mounds

Jordan Mounds is an archaeological site with seven earthen platform structures arranged around a central plaza. The complex sits near a former channel of the Arkansas River and represents a cohesive group of pre-Columbian constructions.

The site was built between 1540 and 1685, when indigenous peoples first encountered Spanish explorers from the de Soto expedition. This period marks a turning point in the region as European presence began to reshape existing societies.

The mounds show how indigenous peoples from the eastern Mississippi region organized their settlements and created ritual spaces. Their arrangement around a central plaza reflects the daily rhythms and social structures of those who built them.

The site sits on private property and requires advance permission for any visit or research activity. It is best to contact the property owners beforehand to arrange access.

The renowned archaeologist Clarence Bloomfield Moore never reached the site because his steamboat could not navigate the local waterways. This episode reveals how remote and isolated the location has remained throughout history.