Native American Sites in Arkansas
You may think Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day are the only major celebration in November, but it also happens to be Native American History Month. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of Ingigenous Peoples in the United States, and a chance to humbly acknowledge that the history of our country didn’t begin when the Pilgrims arrived. Arkansas was the original home of several Native American tribes, most notably the Tunica, Osage and Quapaw. This month at Landers Kia, we are sharing several Native American sites to visit in Arkansas in celebration of Native American History Month. Read on to learn more!
Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park– Scott
If you’re a native Arkansan, you may have visited the Toltec Mounds on a field trip in grade school. These puzzling, mysterious mounds are the remains of a ceremonial complex built by prehistoric Native Americans. The Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park, located just a short drive from Little Rock, was actually not built by the Toltec Indians at all. The owner of the land from 1857-1900 mistakenly believed the Toltecs of Mexico had constructed these mounds. Archaeological research later suggested that the people that built the mounds had a culture akin to that of other contemporary Native American groups in the Mississippi Valley. Learn more on the Arkansas State Parks website here.
Photo from Arkansas State Parks
The Museum of Native American History – Bentonville
Founded by Bentonville native and registered member of the Cherokee Nation David Bogle in 2006, the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville is home to over 10,000 Native American Artifacts. Visitors are taken on a “14,000 year journey” in local Native American History through a collection of artifacts dating from as early as 12,000 B.C.E. Admission to the museum is free, and they frequently have seasonal events and lectures. This year, they are offering free virtual events in place of their in-person events. Learn more on their website.
Cave Art in Rock House Cave, Petit Jean State Park – Morrilton
During the Mississipian Era circa 900 A.D., Native Americans across the southeast began settling along major waterways, including the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers. These Indigenous settlers left behind their own artistic footprint through the mystifying cave drawings in Petit Jean State Park. Today, visitors can still marvel at the cave drawings in the Rock House Cave. These drawings include symbols and animal pictograms of fish, buffalo and more. The meaning behind the cave drawings is still a mystery to Archaeologists and Historians, however, it is speculated that the cave was used for special rites and ceremonies. Visit and decide for yourself!
Are you ready to visit these historic Native American Sites, but you need a vehicle to get you there? We at Landers Kia can help you find the perfect car for your daily commute and weekend adventures. Come and see us today on Colonel Glenn to see our current Black Friday specials and incentives!
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