Cahokia Mounds

Cahokia Mounds is a Native American archeological site with an extremely rich cultural history. Located in Illinois, just across the river from St. Louis, Missouri, it was the largest city north of Mexico in prehistoric times. It is estimated that somewhere between eight and forty thousand people lived there during the height of the civilization. Although most of these people lived in the surrounding farmlands, this was a very dense population in prehistoric times. In fact, the population of Cahokia Mounds was larger than that of London.

Archeological evidence suggests that this urban center served multiple purposes, although there are many questions about its use and inhabitants that may never be answered with certainty. It is clear from the excavated artifacts, visible remains of structures, and the number of people who lived around Cahokia Mounds that this was a very important place. It was probably used as a site for commerce and trade and a political and religious center. Excavations have uncovered a site now called Woodhenge, which is markedly similar to Stonehenge. A circle of wooden posts were aligned with the sun during equinoxes and solstices, suggesting religious significance.

The most prominent features of the site today are its mounds, which is obviously where it got its name. There are over 100 dirt mounds built by Native Americans in the area. The largest and most famous is Monk's Mound, a very large structure which is approximately 100 feet tall and 836 by 951 feet across at the base. It is reminiscent of the ancient pyramids of Egypt, and old archeological records suggest that it may have even had tunnels at one time. There is evidence that a building used to stand on top of Monk's Mound. While its purpose is not known for sure, it's believed that it was most likely the home of a chief or a religious temple.

Mound 72 also has archeological significance. When excavated, it was discovered to be one of the multiple burial mounds. Within it was the body of a man lying on over 20,000 shell beads. It is believed that this individual was a chief or political ruler. The bed of shell beads was carefully arranged in a falcon shape.

The civilization of Cahokia Mounds began expanding rapidly after 1050 AD and appears to have also suffered a rapid decline a few hundred years later. It was found abandoned when Europeans entered the area. Theories about its decline include disease, political conquest, warfare, and overuse of natural resources causing deforestation and lack of food.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Museum Society Official website run by the site

Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Good overview for visitors

Illinois State Museums Site Interactive map of Cahokia Mounds' topography

National Park Service Website Cahokia Mounds has been named a World Heritage Site

Illinois Legends – Cahokia Mounds Includes some nice pictures

Cahokia on Wikipedia Nice historical overview

Sacred Destinations – Cahokia Mounds Site for travelers with good pictures

A Mississippi Mound Mystery MSNBC article

Cahokia Bibliography List of books and articles to read for more information

Mound Builders Expedition: Cahokia Includes photos of mounds and Woodhenge with descriptions

Mound 72 Artifacts Pictures and descriptions of what was uncovered

Cahokia Mounds Fact Sheet General information about the site

Historiography of Cahokia Very detailed historical information