  Louisiana’s cultural heritage dates back to approximately 10,000 B.C. when Paleo-Indian hunters entered the region in search of Pleistocene big game. Since that time, many other groups have settled in the area. Each of these groups has left evidence of its presence in the archaeological record. The Anthropological Study series published by the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism provides a readable account of various activities of these cultural groups. Nancy Hawkins, outreach coordinator for the Division of Archaeology, is the author of Preserving Louisiana’s Legacy, the fifth volume in the Anthropological Study series. This volume departs somewhat from the previous ones in the series in that it does not describe a particular group of people or archaeological sites. Rather it addresses archaeological preservation as a whole. In this volume Ms. Hawkins explains in general terms how an archaeologist studies the past, what factors affect the preservation of archaeological remains, and how government, industry, business, landowners, and other groups and individuals can contribute to the preservation of Louisiana’s archaeological heritage. We are pleased to be able to make Preserving Louisiana’s Legacy available and trust that the reader will enjoy this volume. Kathleen Byrd State Archaeologist Letter STATE OF LOUISIANA DAVID C. TREEN April 20, 1982 CITIZENS OF LOUISIANA As Louisiana’s State Historic Preservation Officer, I am pleased to introduce Preserving Louisiana’s Legacy, the fifth volume in the Anthropological Study series of the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism and the Louisiana Archaeological Survey & Antiquities Commission. Through my work first in private business and more recently in local and state government, I have become increasingly impressed with the diversity and uniqueness of Louisiana’s archaeological remains. There is no question that many of these archaeological sites should be preserved for the future. They are Louisiana’s past. Louisiana has some of the most important sites in the United States. In fact, one prehistoric archaeological site, Poverty Point in West Carroll Parish, has been suggested for nomination to the World Heritage List. This program, in which 45 nations participate, recognizes areas of outstanding universal value to mankind. I am proud to live in a state with such a rich archaeological heritage, and I hope that it can be protected for future generations. However, no one individual or group working alone can preserve Louisiana’s legacy. Only through the concerted efforts of government, industry, business, and individuals can this be accomplished. This volume suggests what you can do to preserve Louisiana’s archaeological sites. I hope you enjoy this booklet. Sincerely, Rob DeBlieux ROBERT B. DEBLIEUX STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICER P. O. Box 44247 Baton Rouge, La. 70804 504-342-6682 |
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