Poverty Point gets historic marker - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

EPPS, La., (KNOE 8 News) - The Prairie des Canots Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, presented a plaque to Poverty Point State Historic Site. The marker recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the site.

"Poverty Point is getting more and more recognition locally, nationally and internationally," Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, whose office oversees the Poverty Point State Historic Site, said. "This site will be an incredible asset for the northeast Louisiana tourism industry as more people are interested in visiting this incredible example of prehistoric living."

Ceremony attendees included Sen. Francis Thompson (Dist. 34), Sen. Mike Wallsworth (Dist. 33) and Rep. Charles Chaney (Dist. 19) along with delegates from the Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, including Carolyn F. Brown, Chapter Chairman of Historical Markers, Robin J. McMahon, Louisiana Society Colonial Dames XVII Century State President and Leslie Breaux, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Historian General and State Chairman of Historical Markers. Site Manager David Griffing accepted the bronze and black plaque on behalf of the Office of State Parks.

Members of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century are descendants of early colonists to North America who work to preserve historic sites and records nationwide. Louisiana chapters have provided markers to sites including Los Adaes State Historic Site, the Pentagon Barracks, the Old Ursuline Convent and St. Matthew's Catholic Church.

Poverty Point State Historic Site offers visitors the opportunity to study the culture of area inhabitants from about 1650 B.C. to 1100 B.C. In 2013, the U.S. Department of the Interior nominated the site for consideration to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Poverty Point State Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark, National Monument and a Smithsonian Affiliate.

The $4 admission to the historic site provides access to the area museum as well as video and tram tour (seasonal). Admission is free for children (12 and under) and senior citizens (62 and older). Poverty Point is located in West Carroll Parish, east of Monroe on La. Hwy. 577, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.LaStateParks.com.