American Indian mounds

American Indian mounds are earthen structures built by Indigenous peoples of North America, primarily for ceremonial, religious, burial, or social purposes. These mounds, constructed from soil and other materials, often served as sacred sites or tombs for leaders and important figures. Examples include the Adena, Hopewell, and Mississippian mound-building cultures, with notable sites like Cahokia near St. Louis. Mound construction reflects complex social organization, spiritual beliefs, and territorial identity. Today, these sites are vital archaeological resources that offer insights into the cultural heritage and histories of Native American civilizations.