Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site - Alto, Texas

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Visit the Past at the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site. Texas has a long and wonderfully diverse history. Those who travel to the area around the city of Alto will find a wonderful place to visit. The Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site is one of the best archaeological sites in the State of Texas. If you have an interest in history, you can’t miss this attraction.

The almost 94-acre Park opened to the public in 1982 and was part of Texas Parks and Wildlife until 2008 when it became part of the Texas Historical Commission.

At the Park, you will find two ceremonials mounds and one burial mound. The Caddoan tribe, who lived in the area for 500 years beginning around the year 800 A.D., built these mounds. The two ceremonial mounds are very large, 300 by 350 feet, larger than the ceremonial tribes of many other Indian culture’s mounds are. The prehistoric mounds, as well as all of the various cultural items found within, are quite interesting.

In addition, you will be able to learn about the everyday life of the Caddo people. From exhibits and displays, you can learn about their religious ceremonies, learn about how and why they built their mounds, and much more.

Also on the site is a reconstructed dwelling that represents the kind of structure where the Natives once lived. You will also be able to find a library of archeological reports that discuss the mounds, the tribes, and all of the different things on the site. While it is a library, none of the research materials are allowed off site. Still, you will have plenty of time to look at them when visiting the Park.

People from all around Texas as well as other states come to the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site to learn all about the mound building culture that once inhabited the area. It is a great place to visit, full of history and culture. Everyone, regardless of his or her age, can benefit from a visit to the mounds.

Those who come to the Park will find that the admission is very reasonable. For adults it is $2, seniors pay $1, and those 12 years old and under are free. The Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Besides being closed on Mondays, the Park is also closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.