Emerald Mound — Attraction in Mississippi

"It will knock your socks off."

This is what I was told by my archaeology professor, Jessica A. Kowalski, before my trip down to Hattiesburg this weekend to check out The University of Southern Mississippi. I am currently an undergrad at the University of Arkansas, and USM is where I intend to pursue a Master's degree. This statement was made immediately following a recommendation that I visit Emerald Mound while I am in the Natchez homeland, and I have to say...

...Dr. Kowalski was absolutely correct! I visited Emerald Mound earlier today, and I absolutely LOVED it! It was INCREDIBLE! My passion for Southeastern archaeology originated with American Indian mounds, and Emerald Mound is the ULTIMATE mound. I know that Monks Mound exists, and I HAVE seen it, but THIS is just on a completely...

This is one of those places the experience is truly dependent upon the person. History does not always present itself with a rush of excitement or a spectacle to behold. Driving up to the Emerald Mound, one might think to themselves, "Look, a hill covered with grass. How quaint," and then wonder why they made the trip. This is where imagination is key to the experience. Imagine this place a thousand years ago. Imagine the indigenous people and their culture and how vastly different it is from today. We are standing in the exact same place they were. Take the time to read about it and then decide if standing on hallowed grounds aren't worth more than just a...

Free entry with lots of posted historical facts before entering the mounds. Plan a 15 - 30 minute stop as there isn't much to do at the mound, but walk up, take a look, and head out. Kids wanted to get in and get out. There is one big mound, I believe it said 8 acres, with two varying size mounds on top. It wasn't my or my kids' cup of tea, but it was a neat historical site. 4 Stars because the grounds seem to not be very maintained. The grass was high, steps were removed for top mound (was told they previously had steps there), and there were ant piles everywhere on the...