The Indian Mounds, Baton Rouge

The Indian Mounds at Louisiana State University are two Native American mounds thought to be more than 5,000 years old. They are considered the oldest surviving human-made structures in the Americas. Some believe the mounds are over 11,000 years old, which makes them the oldest surviving human-made structures in the world.

The mounds are 20 feet tall and take up a space of two acres. They were built overlooking the Mississippi River and were used for ceremonial purposes rather than for burial. However, some experts have suggested that cremated human remains were placed within the mounds due to the presence of ancient charcoal.

The mounds have been damaged over the years due to human traffic and natural erosion. Preservation attempts against human interference include placing sidewalks between the structures, building low brick walls between them, and fencing them during LSU games. Preservation attempts against natural erosion include rebuilding portions of the mounds with river silt and seeding with Bermuda grass.

The Indian Mounds are on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.