Mott Archaeological Preserve, Archaeological site in Franklin Parish, Louisiana, US.
Mott Archaeological Preserve is an archaeological site featuring eleven earthen mounds along Bayou Macon's western bank in northern Louisiana. These mounds were constructed by Native American communities over many centuries, varying in size and arrangement with the largest covering approximately two acres at its base.
Early archaeological work at the site began around 1900, with subsequent investigations continuing through the early 1900s and later university research in the 1960s. These studies revealed that the location was occupied and shaped by different cultures spanning more than a thousand years.
The mounds reflect different eras of Native American occupation, each with its own cultural identity and way of organizing community spaces. Visitors can observe how the arrangement and size of these earthworks reveal the priorities and practices of the people who built them.
The site is located away from major roads and is best accessed by car; plan time to explore the various mounds at a comfortable pace. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing since the ground can become muddy, especially after rain, and pathways are not paved throughout the property.
The tallest mound rises about 26 feet and stands beside a large central plaza that was intentionally created as a gathering space by the original builders. This arrangement indicates that the site functioned as a regional meeting place and ceremonial center.
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