Poverty Point World Heritage Initiative

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What Is the World Heritage Program?

• It is a program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• The World Heritage List includes the world's outstanding cultural and natural properties.
• Currently the list includes 911 sites in 151 countries, including:
  • Cahokia Mounds - United States
  • Machu Picchu - Peru
  • Pyramids of Giza - Egypt
• Listing shows the global importance of a property, and it attracts international tourists.

• In 2008, the U.S. selected 14 properties for a Tentative List for future nomination. Poverty Point State Historic Site is on the U.S. Tentative List, making it the first and only Louisiana property eligible for listing.
• The Poverty Point Station Archaeologist, Dr. Diana Greenlee, is leading the project to prepare the World Heritage nomination. She is working closely with staff in the Office of Cultural Development and the Office of State Parks in the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Contact Dr. Greenlee at greenlee@ulm.edu.
• Business, individual, and foundation financial contributions are needed to fund research, planning, and advice for the project. The University of Louisiana at Monroe Foundation has a tax-exempt fund for the initiative.
• Local and state support is critical for success.

• The earthworks are massive: 5 mounds and 6 C-shaped ridges surround a huge plaza.
• The geometric design is unique in the world and is a masterpiece of engineering.
• The site is 3,500 years old.
• At the time the earthworks were constructed, they were the largest in North America.
• The site was the major political, trading, and ceremonial center of its day in North America.
• The people who built and lived at the site did not raise crops.

• Visit Poverty Point State Historic Site, operated by the Louisiana Office of State Parks
• Read Poverty Point: A Terminal Archaic Culture of the Lower Mississippi Valley by Jon L. Gibson
• Read The Ancient Mounds of Poverty Point: Place of Rings by Jon L. Gibson
• View the Poverty Point Exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge.
• Teachers: Download Poverty Point Expeditions classroom activity guide or borrow a Poverty Point Classroom Exhibit from the Division of Archaeology.
• Watch Poverty Point Earthworks: Evolutionary Milestones of the Americas.
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• Donations

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