Published: April 18, 2008 02:42 pm      

Caddoan Mounds hosts formal tour of museum, trails Saturday

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

You won’t need to don formal attire to take the formal museum and trail tour of the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site this weekend in Alto.

The tour is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Caddoan Mounds State Historic site. It will educate on Caddo Indian culture from 750 to 1400 A.D.

“We’re providing this opportunity for people to learn about the early history and culture of Texas,” site manager Jennifer Price said. “It’s a very casual question and answer tour. Dress comfortably and come prepared to learn and enjoy some of the history of this area.”

This tour is formal because Price will act as tour guide.

“Usually when people come in they explore the park on their own, but this time we’ll take a guided tour through the museum and the trails,” Price said. “We’ll have additional photos and information on previous dig sites available, too.”

According to the Texas Historical Commission’s Web site, Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site was the home of mound builders of Caddoan origin who lived in the region for 500 years beginning about 800.

“I hope people come away with a better awareness of the extensive Caddoan culture that existed between 750 and 1400 A.D.,” Price said.

The 93.8-acre site opened to the public in June 1982. Facilities include a headquarters/interpretive center, an archeological experiment exhibit and a .7-mile interpretive trail.

The Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site in Alto was transferred into the hands of the Texas Historical Commission from the Texas Parks and Wildlife in January.

“It’s just a great site and we’re very excited to add it to our inventory of historical sites we oversee,” said Terry Colley, Texas Historical Commission deputy executive director, in January.

The Texas Historical Commission administers several programs that help preserve the state’s archeological, cultural and historical resources.

The site averages 550 to 600 visitors a month. The site is located six miles west of Alto on U.S. Hwy. 21 W. Call 936-858-3218 or visit www.thc.state.tx.us for directions.