Theirs was a civilization more sophisticated and more powerful than any other in the Western Hemisphere north of Mexico, flourishing in the rich Mississippi River bottom land of southwestern Illinois. Their agricultural economy supported a population of 20,000 by 1100 AD, their crafts were specialized and refined, and their earthen mounds covered up to 14 acres and rose as high as 100 feet (30.5 meters). Then, like the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, and Mayans before them, their society disappeared. It wasn’t until the 1920s that modern archaeologists began to realize the complexities of their culture.

Cahokia, their center of civilization, was located at the confluence of three rivers, providing them as exceptionally fertile and expansive flood plain called the American Bottom. Spring floods renewed the land by depositing rich silt from the riverbeds. The river networks provided easy transportation for commerce as well as fish and waterfowl, the surrounding areas teemed with wildlife, and the prairie to the north and west supplied tall grasses used in building and furnishing homes and other structures. For 500 years, Cahokia was the center of a culture stretching from Red Wing, Minnesota, to Key Marco, Florida, and across the Southeast. We know these people only from the physical evidence they left behind, but when the first Europeans encountered this society, it boasted palisaded villages, a social hierarchy, and a religion centered on a “Great Sun.”

We do not know why this great civilization ended, but research continues. Among the most fascinating discoveries are the remains of circular sun calendars that once consisted of large evenly spaced log posts (Woodhenges). Today special programs are held there for equinox and solstice sunrises.

Summer visitors to Cahokia may view archaeological digs in progress. Some lucky volunteers even get to participate in field excavations. Will you be among them?