Arkansas
Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park - History
By Sarah Lane
Jan 31, 2005, 09:58

Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park - History



The history of the Toltec society is fraught with myths and native tales of triumph and failure. Although much of Mexican prehistory seems to be encompassed in the term “Toltec”, it was the prehistoric Native Americans known as the Plum Bayou culture who actually constructed the Toltec Mounds. There was evidence of human activity at these ancient mounds until 1800 A.D., but much of the activity was between 700 and 1050 A.D.

The site in Arkansas where this large group of ancient earthworks is located was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 2, 1978. A century ago there were sixteen mounds with two of them reaching heights between 38 and 50 feet. Today a few of these mounds are still visible and are visited by tourists and archeologists year-round.

So what exactly was the significance of these ancient mounds? Mound groups like Toltec were gathering places for the people living in the surrounding areas. They were used as religious and social centers. As far as the population of the Toltec center itself went, very few people resided there. Mainly political and religious leaders of the community and their families were present.

The locations of these mounds was symbolic. They were thought to have been planned using principles based on alignment with important solar positions and standardized units of measurement. Believe it or not, you can still be a witness to this alignment at the site during the Spring and Fall equinoxes.

The Toltec Mounds have been a site of much interest and several Arkansas Archeological Society training excavations. This has been an important part of understanding the significance of this area.

The site of these ancient monuments can be reached off Highway 165 in Scott, Arkansas. Visit our tourism page for more and be sure to take the quiz now that you know all about this very special place!

Source: University of Arkansas, National Park Service