Following its near-total destruction after a tornado in 2019, Caddo Mounds State Historic Site will celebrate its official reopening on Saturday, May 18. The ribbon-cutting ceremony commences at 11:30 a.m. with speakers reflecting on the importance of restoring the site and the resiliency of the Caddo Nation.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the new $2.5 million visitor center and reconstructed grass house and participate in a variety of outdoor activities including:
- Atlatl throwing: Participants will learn about the development of hunting tools, different atlatl styles, and throwing techniques. They will then put what they learned to the test by throwing darts at a target using the atlatl.
- Friction fire demonstration: Visitors will enhance their survival skills as they learn the ancient technique of starting a fire using friction between two objects.
- Flint knapping: Visitors learn the ancient art of creating arrowheads from stone.
- Archaeology tour: From 2–3 p.m,. archaeologist Victor Galan will lead a tour that explores the history and culture of the Caddo people.
The event is free and open to the public.