I last visited Cahokia Mounds National Monument in September, 2011, when it was dusk. This time, July 25, 2013, it was a bright afternoon. The difference was palpable. At dusk, there is a sense of the spiritual, the ephemeral. In bright sunshine, tour groups and easily-spooked people, jumping when I walked by them, were all over the park.
No matter, this area is home to intense spiritual energy, which not everyone can handle. It was built by an ancient nation of traders, and appears to be an array of tumuli, burial mounds. Overlooking the scene is Monks Mound, across the highway from the main park area.
I spent about 40 minutes in the Visitor Center.
A clockwise jaunt around the main park revealed several mounds.
It was soon time to mount the stairs to Monks Mound. Here, priests conducted observations of the sky and presided over ceremonies, relative to the solstices, equinoxes and phases of the moon.
There are some fine views of the surrounding countryside, including the city of St. Louis.
To the east, there is a fence, built by the U.S. Army, during the Trail of Tears, in the 1830’s.
Finally, I visited Woodhenge, a mile west of Cahokia Mounds, and largely viewed as another place where the indigenous people could observe and measure celestial events.
With this important site being offered tribute in both light and darkness, I crossed the Father of Waters, to St. Louis, and the Gateway Arch.
Amazing shots of Cahokia. It’s a really great archaeological site. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
I love the place and will probably stop there again, on a future trip through the area.
LikeLike
The 5th picture from the bottom reminds me of an area in London. The last picture caught my attention as well, because I see a face of what looks like an Indian Chief in the sky. Am I seeing things? LOL! The visitor center looks like a big place. Great pictures! 🙂
LikeLike
St. Louis does look like London, from a distance. It is amazing what the mind conjures, when looking at the sky. The Visitor Center is indeed huge, and occupied me for a lot longer than such facilities usually do.
LikeLike
Thanks for the tour. I should take a trip to visit here one of these days.
LikeLike
It would be amazing, Jo. It is not as difficult to reach as the Gateway Arch is.
LikeLike
Very interesting spot. If I am ever near St. Louis, I will have to visit it.
LikeLike
It’s well worth the time.
LikeLike