Near Alto in Cherokee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Borrow Pit
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023
1. Borrow Pit Marker
Along with the soil for building mounds, the forests surrounding the village supplied many resources. Trees became the frameworks for temples, homes, and other structures that were covered with thatched brush or prairie grasses. Caddo women wove many different types of baskets and trays from grasses, river cane, and tree barks. Local clay was mixed with tempering materials such as crushed animal bone or clay to create ceramic cooking, storage, and serving vessels.
Caption
Basket Weaving
Baskets had to be tightly woven to support the heavy loads carried. Basket weaving is a Caddo tradition kept alive by tribal members today.
Images: Ermess, Fotolla, Illustration, Howell Golson
Erected by Caddo Mounds State Historic Site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 31° 35.748′ N, 95° 9.151′
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Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Piney Woods. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Low Platform Mound (a few steps from this marker); High Temple Mound (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Village Life (about 700 feet away); Burial Mound (about 800 feet away); Waystation for Travelers and Traders (approx. 0.2 miles away); Natural Spring (approx. 0.2 miles away); Travel Encounters (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Welcome Rest (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alto.
Other markers no longer nearby. Site of Neches Indian Village (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Mound Prairie (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The marker is located in the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site and it does require a small entry fee to visit.
Also see . . . Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, one of the best known(Submitted on September 8, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)and intensively investigated Indian sites in Texas, is on State Highway 21 about six miles southwest of Alto in southern Cherokee County. It comprises much of what is known to archeologists as the George C. Davis Site, the southwesternmost ceremonial center of the Caddoan peoples who flourished on the western edge of the woodlands of eastern North America between 1000 B.C. and A.D. 1550. Caddo Mounds consists of three large earthen mounds, as well as a large portion of a prehistoric village.Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 20232. The Borrow Pit Marker and the viewing platform to the Borrow Pit
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023
3. The view of the Borrow Pit From the platform
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 497 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 8, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
