Cahokia Mounds, St. Louis, United States

Cahokia Mounds is the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. It was occupied primarily during the Mississippian period (800–1400), when it covered nearly 1,600 ha and included some 120 mounds. It is a striking example of a complex chiefdom society, with many satellite mound centres and numerous outlying hamlets and villages. This agricultural society may have had a population of 10–20,000 at its peak between 1050 and 1150. Primary features at the site include Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, covering over 5 ha and standing 30 m high.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site includes 51 platform, ridgetop, and conical mounds; residential, public, and specialized activity areas; and a section of reconstructed palisade, all of which together defined the limits and internal symmetry of the settlement. Dominating the community was Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen structure in the New World. Constructed in fourteen stages, it covers six hectares and rises in four terraces to a height of 30 meters. The mounds served variously as construction foundations for public buildings and as funerary tumuli. There was also an astronomical observatory, consisting of a circle of wooden posts. Extensive professional excavations have produced evidence of construction methods and the social activities of which the structures are further testimony.

Cahokia Mounds is a National Historic Landmark and a designated site for state protection. It is also one of only 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the United States.

References:

UNESCO

Address

Major Street 1, St. Louis, United States

See all sites in St. Louis

Details

Founded: 800-1400
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in United States

More Information

whc.unesco.org
en.wikipedia.org
cahokiamounds.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Traveling Nana (6 months ago)
The museum was closed and won't be open until next year, which was a bummer, but we still got to see and walk the mounds. There are signage along the way to give you information about it. Still a great experience!

K O (7 months ago)
This is an interesting historical place to visit. There are walking paths around the area where the smaller mounds are, and a lot of steps to go to the top of Monks Mound. The scenery from the top is fun to see as well. Not much shade on the grounds. The museum and visitor center was closed when we visited in June 2024. It will be nice when it's open again and people can find out more about the Native Americans that used this site.

Noah Von Dauber (8 months ago)
Outstanding archaeological complex with an amazing history, but unfortunately, there is no crosswalk or pedestrian bridge across the 4-lane highway between the visitors center and Monk Mound, making it difficult to get between the two if you plan on walking.

Narcisse Kunda (8 months ago)
This is some of the most beautiful greenery I've ever seen in my life. This is a great place to walk around on a day with nice weather. It is so peaceful and the view of the city of St. Louis from atop Mound Monks is georgous.

Sherri Brake (8 months ago)
Amazing experience and views. Museum was closed. Be sure to check hours but the Mound was available to walk up, of course. Pace yourself and don't do it if there's a storm coming. :-)

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Cahokia Mounds