Full title: FT26SE08. From Plum Bayou Mounds to Crowley’s Ridge: Exploring Archaeology and Fluvial Landscapes
Leader: Rebecca Taormina
Endorser(s): GSA Geoarchaeology Division, GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division, GSA Soils and Soil Processes Division, GSA History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage Division
CEUs: 0.8
Dates=: Thu., 12 Mar.
Location: Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 5 p.m
Description: This field trip explores the intersections of archaeology, geomorphology, and river systems across the Mississippi Valley. Our journey begins at Plum Bayou, formerly Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, the largest and most complex mound site in Arkansas. Here, participants will engage with the archaeological record of prehistoric ceremonial landscapes and examine how the site’s geomorphic position along the Arkansas River shaped cultural development and environmental history. The visit provides an in-depth opportunity to discuss site formation, archaeological research methods, and the role of waterways in Mississippian societies.
After lunch, the focus shifts toward fluvial geomorphology at Village Creek State Park. This stop highlights the unique landforms of Crowley’s Ridge, including loess deposits, ravines, and stream systems. Participants will examine how geomorphic processes such as erosion and sedimentation have created distinctive landscapes that influenced both ancient and modern human activity. Crowley’s Ridge serves as an ideal outdoor classroom for considering long-term interactions between geology and settlement.
The day concludes at Parkin Archeological State Park, a Mississippian village strategically located at the confluence of the St. Francis and Tyronza Rivers and thought to have been visited by Hernando de Soto in 1541. Parkin provides a compelling case study of how river dynamics influenced settlement patterns, subsistence strategies, and community organization. By weaving together archaeological and geomorphic perspectives, this trip offers participants a deeper understanding of how rivers shaped the landscapes and lifeways of the Mississippi Valley.
Considerations: This field trip includes approximately 4.5 hours of travel by bus or other vehicles, providing participants with comfortable transportation between sites. Most locations, particularly the mound sites at Plum Bayou and Parkin, are highly accessible, with paved paths and established trails suitable for guided tours. Participants should be prepared for moderate walking during site visits, including uneven surfaces around mounds and natural areas. The trip is scheduled for March in Arkansas, a month when temperatures can vary widely. Participants should be prepared for cool or potentially freezing mornings, as well as warmer midday conditions, and dress in layers accordingly. Weather-appropriate footwear is recommended for walking on trails or natural terrain. Restroom facilities are available at major stops, and participants will have a lunch break at Plum Bayou. The trip is designed to be inclusive, but participants with mobility concerns should contact trip organizers in advance so accommodations can be discussed. Overall, the itinerary balances educational engagement with accessibility, allowing participants to explore archaeological and geomorphic features safely while maximizing learning opportunities.