A Well-Organized Society
Emerald Mound was the product of a complex society organized to serve and sustain the welfare of its people beginning eight centuries ago.
Life revolved around family relationships and well understood rules. An elite family, the Suns, held special status as royalty, and the Great Sun was the highest ranked of all.
Although aligned with a deity, the Great Sun's power rose or fell with the people's quality of life. Tribal prosperity rested on pooled resources and wise leadership. The elite not only played a ceremonial role in their layered society, they controlled surplus corn, which they shared in times of need.
Only powerful leaders could have mustered and inspired the workforce needed for the years of labor that produced Emerald Mound.
In 1758, French naturalist Antoine Le Page du Pratz published his firsthand account of life among the Natchez Indians. This sketch shows the Great Sun, the man Du Pratz called “the sovereign of the nation.” The Natchez people, whose ancestors built this mound, have continued cultural traditions from Emerald Mound's time.
Erected by Project Sacred Sites.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans.
Location. 31° 38.123′ N, 91°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Remarkable Feat (here, next to this marker); Emerald Mound (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Emerald Mound (a few steps from this marker); Still Sacred (a few steps from this marker); One Mound Among Many (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Emerald Mound (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Trace (approx. 1˝ miles away); Territorial Lifeline (approx. 1˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stanton.
More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Emerald Mound Historical Site
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 208 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2018.
