The Natural and Cultural Environment

The Natural and Cultural Environment. . Poverty Point is situated on Macon Ridge, an elevated landform on the western edge of the Mississippi River floodplain. Being located on Macon Ridge means that the site was safe from seasonal floods. It remained high and dry even during the Mississippi River's massive flood of 1927.The site's location is also important for the resources that were available year-round for food, shelter, fuel, tools, and other needs. , From the adjacent floodplain, people obtained fish, waterfowl, turtles, and frogs, as well as aquatic plants such as lotus and cattail. The ridge had drier habitats where deer, raccoons, and rabbits, along with nuts, seeds, and fruits, were abundant. Wood for shelter, tool, and fuel needs was locally available. Cane and other plant fibers were used to weave baskets, mats, and other items. , Only stone was not readily available. The nearest sources of "local" gravel were located about 25-30 miles away, and the people of Poverty Point did use that rock. But, they also developed a long-distance trade network that brought stone, some 78 tons of rocks and minerals, to the site from sources that were hundreds of miles away. , Some of these imported stones were distributed to other sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley that belonged to the "Poverty Poirt culture." These sites are thought to be affiliated because they have some distinctive artifact types in common with Poverty Point. Only a few of these sites had earthworks (and none were as large or elaborate as Poverty Point); most were small residences or camps.