The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    It’s time to make historic Poverty Point known to the world

    More than 5,000 years ago, people were inhabiting and maintaining the lands of Louisiana. Today, the once National Monument and State Historic site of Poverty Point located outside of Epps has had the honor of being named a World Heritage Site. 

    I had the privilege to see the transformation of this site fight tooth and nail to gain this honor. Though I can’t possibly express the honor that this recognition has brought to our state, I can say I’m deeply disappointed with the fact almost nobody cares or even realizes Poverty Point is on the same list as the Egyptian pyramids, Stonehenge, Yellowstone National Park, and The Grand Canal. 

    I have invited friends and people I hardly know to go on the trip that occurs once a semester. Though I have multiple people say they are interested in the opportunity to go, nobody has followed through. 

    I am a part of Southeastern. I have my version of Lion Pride, but when I travel to Poverty Point, Southeastern has the least number of representatives when it comes to fellow Louisiana colleges coming together to help out this underpaid and understaffed park. 

    Though some may not view the work that I have done beneficial such as picking up sticks, filling gopher holes, dusting shelves of boxes or clearing root balls, I get to hear the testimonials from the park rangers and archaeological staff from when they were on site that we helped to make a world of difference.

    One of the times that I was unable to make it, attendees were able to screen debris from a past mud slide sorting out many artifacts. This project had previously been going on for over two years.

    My point is our state has accomplished a great feat in history. I have been an extremely small part of making history, but I helped make history none the less. I don’t believe that people, especially at our university, realize how deep of an impact that they can make by being willing to give up one weekend and make the three and a half hour drive to Poverty Point. It may not always be the most glamorous or exciting work, but it is a moving experience that can’t be described. Next time you hear that the dorms found on Poverty Point will be open, do not ignore their beckoning call.

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