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Emerald Mound: A Mississippian Legacy

Explore Emerald Mound: An ancient Native American ceremonial site near Natchez, Mississippi, offering a glimpse into a rich past.

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Emerald Mound, near Natchez, Mississippi, is the second-largest Mississippian Period ceremonial mound in the United States. Built between 1200 and 1600 CE, it served as a ceremonial center for ancestors of the Natchez Indians. The massive earthwork offers a glimpse into the lives and culture of the early residents of the Mississippi Valley.

A brief summary to Emerald Mound

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the top of the mound.
  • Bring water, especially during hot weather.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic views.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From downtown Natchez, head north on Main Street, then turn left onto US-61 N. Continue for approximately 5 miles, then turn right onto Emerald Mound Road. Follow Emerald Mound Road to the site. The drive is about 15 minutes from downtown Natchez. Parking is free.

  • RideShare

    Take a local taxi or rideshare service (like Lyft or Uber) from downtown Natchez to Emerald Mound. The address is Emerald Mound Rd, Natchez, MS 39120. The fare may vary, but expect to pay around $15-$25 for the trip, depending on your exact pickup location and time of day.

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Discover more about Emerald Mound

Emerald Mound, located approximately 10 miles northeast of Natchez, Mississippi, stands as a testament to the sophisticated culture of the Mississippian people. Constructed between 1200 and 1600 CE, this impressive earthwork served as a ceremonial center for the local population and ancestors of the Natchez Indians. The mound itself is an enormous artificial plateau, covering eight acres and measuring 770 by 435 feet at the base and reaching a height of 35 feet. It was created by depositing earth along the sides of a natural hill, reshaping it into its current form. Atop the primary mound are two smaller secondary mounds, with the larger one at the west end measuring 190 by 160 feet and standing 30 feet high. These secondary mounds likely held ceremonial structures or temples. Early records suggest there were once six smaller mounds along the sides, but these have been lost to time due to plowing and erosion. Archaeological excavations have revealed pottery, tools, and animal remains, providing insights into the lives of the people who built and used the mound. Today, visitors can walk to the top of Emerald Mound via an established trail and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside, imagining the elaborate civic processions, ceremonial dances, and religious rituals that once took place here. Emerald Mound was turned over to the National Park Service in 1950 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

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