Cahokia Mounds Archaeological Area

Cahokia Mounds Archaeological Area is a significant historical site located near present-day Collinsville, Illinois. It was once a thriving pre-Columbian city, home to the Mississippian culture, around 600 to 1400 AD. The site features large earthen mounds, which were used for ceremonial purposes, as burial sites, and as platforms for homes and temples. Cahokia was the largest urban center in North America before European contact, showcasing advanced agricultural practices and a complex social structure. Today, it serves as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving the remnants of this influential civilization and offering insights into early Native American life.