Near Alto in Cherokee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Low Platform Mound

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

1. Low Platform Mound Marker

Inscription. This Low Platform Mound did not have any buildings on it. Based on archeological evidence, it appears that there were important structures at the ground surface which were burned and then covered over to create a platform mound that was ramped around the sides. It may have served a ceremonial function for the community. The mound may have been increased over time, but there were no buildings burned on the platform.

Caption
Community Leadership
The caddi, a hereditary chiefsman, made the primary political decisions for the community, supported by a council of elders, or canahas. Caddo villagers also looked to a spiritual leader called the xinesi for guidance on spiritual and ceremonial matters. These rulers lived near the mounds in the inner village.

Illustration: Howell Colson

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° 35.756′ N, 95° 9.149′ W. Marker is near Alto, Texas, in Cherokee County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 21 and Farm to Market Road 2907 on State Highway

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21. The marker is located in the western section of the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1649 TX-21, Alto TX 75925, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Borrow Pit (a few steps from this marker); Village Life (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); High Temple Mound (about 700 feet away); Burial Mound (about 700 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 and intensively investigated Indian sites in Texas, is on State Highway 21 about six miles southwest of Alto
Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

2. The Low Platform Mound and Marker
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.

(Submitted on September 8, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Low Platform Mound and Marker (left) from the Borrow Pit image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

3. The view of the Low Platform Mound and Marker (left) from the Borrow Pit

The view of the Low Platform Mound image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2023

4. The view of the Low Platform Mound

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 313 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.