Mark in Texas History: Caddo Mounds site in Cherokee County offers window into ancient Texas history

ALTO, Texas (KTRE) - The Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto was reopened to the public in 2024 after a 2019 tornado that struck directly on the historic grounds, according to the Texas State Historical Association, which lists it as one of the best-known Native American sites in the state.

The grand reopening took place in May, and on Nov. 2, Caddo Culture Day was held at the site — the first such event with the museum open since the tornado.

What visitors can find on site

The museum features detailed displays showing how the Caddo people lived beginning around 800 A.D. Practices documented at the site include basket and bead weaving, seed saving, and traditional cooking inside a grass house.

During Caddo Culture Day, cooks prepared a traditional dish called the Three Sisters, made with beans, squash, and corn.

Restoration and reopening

Texas lawmakers allocated $2.5 million to restore the site following the 2019 storm. Today, the grounds span more than 90 acres and the museum holds approximately 200 artifacts, including pottery, tools, and weapons.

The Caddo Mounds State Historic Site is located in Cherokee County, approximately six miles west of Alto on Highway 21.