Oklahoma Historical Society

PROJECT PURPOSE

ARPA-SPM-2101 - Parking / Trails / Roads - Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public. The mounds are one of the most important American Indian sites in the nation. The prehistoric Spiro people created a sophisticated culture which influenced the entire Southeast. This project will repair the extensive walking trails throughout the site, add additional trails to the more remote parts of the site, and add additional interpretive sign along the trails. The site also needs a redesigned parking lot. The current parking lot is in need of repair and resurfacing but also needs to be improved to allow spaces for buses to enter and exit the parking area.

EVIDENCE

Our projects utilize local or regional contractors to perform the work and draw local, state and national visitation to the area thus boosting the local economy from construction activities and tourism for the area and state.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The communities and local businesses around this site were impacted by the state shutdown and the decline of tourism as a result of the COVID pandemic. The local communities, municipalities and businesses lost revenue from sales, lodging, taxes and other tourism related benefits. This project benefits everyone by employing local businesses to create or improve local attractions and facilities to improve local tourism and community programing. The historic site is located in rural Leflore County with a population 28,129. The site is located near Spiro with a population of 2,102. The median age in the county is 39. The median income is $40,677, but 21% of the population lives in poverty. 16% of the population under 65 is disabled. The unemployment rate in Spiro is 6.7%, but 3.5% for the county as a whole. 77% of the population identifies as white, 14% American Indian, 7% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Black/African American. 84% of the adult population has a high school diploma.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by visitation statistics with our current monthly statistical tracking system and tracking earned income at the site.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma