Ancient Mounds of Watson Brake

“Watson Brake is a special place in Louisiana history. . . . The efforts of Reca Jones to document and understand the mounds is an exciting story.”

—Dr. Charles “Chip” McGimsey, Louisiana State archaeologist

As archaeologist Reca Jones cooks with her grandchildren, the blocks of fudge they make remind her of the clay she discovered at the mounds of Watson Brake near West Monroe, Louisiana. The inquisitive kids ask their grandmother many questions, and she explains the significance of the mysterious mounds, and then takes them to the site. To the children’s astonishment, Reca reveals such artifacts as spear points, fishhooks, beads, and bones from the animals eaten by dwellers long ago. Each relic is a clue to the puzzling origin of an archeological site older than the pyramids of Egypt.

Detailed illustrations provide an accurate depiction of the mounds at Watson Brake, which form an oval-shaped ring around an area the size of three football fields. Although no human bones have been found at the site, some archaeologists speculate that the mounds were built for religious ceremonies or even flood protection. A brief biography of the real Reca Jones completes this unique and fascinating story.