Would you be visiting the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site soon?
Do you know that the Cahokia was the largest prehistoric Indian community in America? There are at least 120 mounds in Cahokia of different sizes and functions. The initial occupation dates back to AD 700-800. During the time AD 1050-1150, the population grew to 20,000. Then there was a decline in the population beginning in AD 1200.
The Twin Mounds
The Twin Mounds was a mortuary complex. The flat top served a “charnel house” where bodies of important people were prepared for burial.
The Famous Monks Mound
Monks Mound, built from AD 950 to AD 1200, is the largest prehistoric earthwork in America. With a base of 14 acres and a height of 100 feet, it contains about 22 million cubic feet of earth! According to the story, earth was hand-carried to the site using baskets from borrow pits around the Cahokia area.
Why is it called Monks Mound? It is because a group of French Trappist Monks lived on a nearby mound from 1809 to 1813 and planted gardens, fruit trees, and wheat on the terraced of this mound.
The mystery of what happened to Cahokia
Cahokia was gradually abandoned around AD 1300. No evidence of epidemic disease or catastrophic was has been found. The mystery of what happened to Cahokia has yet to be solved.
There are theories that the abandonment may have been caused by depleted resources in the region; climatic changes affecting crops and local flora and fauna; and soil exhaustion due to intensive agriculture.
Cahokia Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza was the heart of Cahokia. This was the area where they held public gatherings, markets, and festivals. This was the place where the chief would address the assembled masses.
Entrance Fee
FREE! Entrance to the museum and mounds is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
Before you travel
- Comfortable clothing and shoes. There are a number of mounds you would be visiting and it takes a lot of walking.
- If you visit during the summer months, wear hats, and sunscreen. Bring bottled water and insect repellent.
- Taking photos inside the museum is allowed, but turn off the flash.
- No pet is allowed inside the museum and building. However, pets are allowed on the grounds as long as they are leashed.
Visiting hours
Interpretive Center Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
Grounds: Open daily from dawn till dusk.
How to get there
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is eight miles from downtown St. Louis near Collinsville, Illinois, off Interstates 55-70 and 255, and Illinois 111, on Collinsville road.
Address:
30 Ramey Street
Collinsville, IL 62234
Click this link for GPS directions.
