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Secrets Of The Prehistoric Mounds In The Mississippi River Valley

Published:

by Chastity Jernigan

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Have you ever wondered about the prehistoric mounds scattered across the Mississippi River Valley? These ancient earthworks, built by Native American cultures, hold secrets of civilizations long gone. Some mounds served as burial sites, while others had ceremonial purposes. The largest and most famous, Cahokia Mounds, once supported a bustling city larger than London in the year 1250. Visiting these sites offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and spirituality of the mound builders. Imagine walking among these ancient structures, feeling the connection to a past that shaped the region's history. Ready to uncover the mysteries of the Mississippi River Valley mounds?

Mysteries of the Mississippi River Valley

The Mississippi River Valley is home to some of the most intriguing prehistoric mounds in North America. These ancient earthworks, built by indigenous cultures, hold secrets about the past. Let's uncover some of these fascinating sites.

Cahokia Mounds

Cahokia Mounds, located in Illinois, is the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas. This site was once a bustling city, home to thousands of people.

  1. Monks Mound: The largest mound at Cahokia, Monks Mound, stands at 100 feet tall. It served as the political and religious center of the city.
  2. Woodhenge: A circle of wooden posts that functioned as a solar calendar, helping the Cahokians track seasons and celestial events.
  3. Mound 72: This burial mound revealed the remains of a high-status individual, along with numerous grave goods and sacrificial victims.

Effigy Mounds National Monument

Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa features mounds shaped like animals. These mounds were built by the Woodland culture between 800 and 1600 CE.

  1. Great Bear Mound: One of the most famous effigy mounds, it is shaped like a bear and stretches over 137 feet.
  2. Marching Bear Group: A series of bear-shaped mounds that appear to be marching in a line. This group showcases the artistic and spiritual significance of mound-building.
  3. Twin Mounds: Two mounds that resemble birds, possibly symbolizing the connection between earth and sky.

Poverty Point

Poverty Point in Louisiana is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex of mounds and ridges was built by a hunter-gatherer society around 1700 BCE.

  1. Mound A: The largest mound at Poverty Point, Mound A, is 72 feet tall and was constructed in less than 90 days.
  2. Bird Mound: Shaped like a bird in flight, this mound highlights the symbolic importance of animals in Poverty Point culture.
  3. Concentric Ridges: These ridges form six semi-circular patterns, suggesting a highly organized society with advanced engineering skills.

Emerald Mound

Emerald Mound in Mississippi is the second-largest ceremonial mound in the United States. Built by the Mississippian culture, it served as a platform for important structures.

  1. Main Platform: The main platform covers eight acres and rises 35 feet high. It supported temples and elite residences.
  2. Secondary Mounds: Smaller mounds on top of the main platform likely held additional structures or served as burial sites.
  3. Surrounding Village: Evidence of a surrounding village indicates that Emerald Mound was a central hub for the local community.

Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound in Ohio is one of the most famous effigy mounds in the world. This snake-shaped mound stretches over 1,300 feet and is believed to have astronomical alignments.

  1. Head of the Serpent: The head of the serpent aligns with the summer solstice sunset, suggesting a connection to celestial events.
  2. Coils and Tail: The coils and tail of the serpent align with lunar phases, indicating advanced knowledge of astronomy.
  3. Nearby Burial Mounds: Several burial mounds near Serpent Mound suggest the site had both ceremonial and funerary purposes.

Discovering Ancient Mysteries

The prehistoric mounds in the Mississippi River Valley offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations. These earthworks reveal the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Native American tribes who built them. From ceremonial sites to burial mounds, each structure tells a unique story about the past.

Visiting these mounds can be a fascinating journey through time. You can learn about the construction techniques, spiritual beliefs, and daily lives of the people who lived there. It's a chance to connect with history in a tangible way.

Whether you're a history buff or just curious, exploring these ancient sites can be a rewarding experience. The mounds stand as a testament to human creativity and resilience. They remind us of the rich heritage that lies beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.