Ancient People of the Spiro Mounds

The drive to Spiro Mounds, located in Oklahoma takes us into the Arkansas River bottom area north of Spiro. Roads are paved all the way to the site, and accessible by RV's (with or without towing a vehicle).
After a short slide show to familiarize us with the primitive "Spiro People", we visit a small museum and then take a walking tour of the mounds.
Grass grows tall along the path; quail taking flight from our rude intrusion. The day is warm with a slight breeze. Small mounds lay to the trails right. These are believe to have been dug into first by the Pocola Mining Co. looking for treasure or whatever they could find.

Looking ahead along the winding path is a replica of a thatched house, used by these ancient people. Past the house, also on the right is the Craig Burial Mound, which is the largest of the Spiro Mounds. Unfortunately, many of the mounds were marred in the 1930's by treasure hunters. Later they were reconstructed using a photo taken in 1914.
I am in awe at the artwork these early Americans constructed. From the elaborate drawings on pottery, to shell jewelry and images engraved on copper plaques.

If you're a history buff, this is a must see. It's also a site not nearly as well known as many other historical locations in Oklahoma. Take a look for yourself, if you are in the Spiro area.
Below is a more detailed history of the mounds. Also, note the visiting hours, and days. All are free to the public.

Archaeologist believe Spiro Mounds were inhabited between the years 900 A.D. to around 1200-1350 A.D. While they know this site was for important ceremonies, it also had domestic houses. Certain leaders lived on the mound, while on other mounds special buildings (such as temples, and mortuaries) were constructed.

By 1450 A.D. these sites were completely abandoned, the causes uncertain. Some speculate the decline was due to a change in weather, with drier periods to severe to sustain crop yields. Other explanations range from warfare to disease. The experts really don't know. Whatever, brought on the change over the years the Spiro Mounds fell into neglect and mounds overgrew in grasses.

In 1933, the Pocola Mining Company, encouraged by their finds and other unusual articles found near the river, decided to start a venture to unearth and sell the ancient artifacts. They leased the site and began digging inside the larges of these mounds. This was the "Craig Mound". The discoveries amazed archaeologist here. Items included, pipes in human and animal forms, shell beads, pottery vessels, copper images, axes, baskets, cloth pieces, and numerous engraved bowls and gorgets.

As with any unsupervised digging, coupled by the excitement of their finds, thousands of artifacts were destroyed or sold off to onlookers or collectors.
Luckily, this practice was stopped in 1935. Then, by 1936, as a team effort, the Works Project Administration (WPA), University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Historical Society, and private supporters, began to excavate properly portions of the site. All materials were logged, preserved and studied. These artifacts are housed at the University of Oklahoma, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma Historical Society, and Frank Phillips Woolaroc Museum.

Ongoing research continues at the Spiro Mounds.

To reach the Spiro Mounds of Oklahoma travelers on I 40 (east and west) exit 307 at Sallisaw, Hwy 59. Proceed south on Hwy 59, sixteen miles to intersection with Hwy. 9, turn left (east), for 2 1/2 miles, then turn north (left) on Lock Dam RD for 4 1/2 miles.
Admission is free donations are welcome. Hours are Wednesdays thru Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

For more information on the Spiro Mounds. The Spiro Ceremonial Center is a good source book covering the Archaeology of Arkansas Valley Caddoan Culture in Eastern Oklahoma.

For map and directions to the Spiro Mounds.

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