Chapter 1: The Legacy of the Moundbuilders

A journey to the heart of ancient history, where earthen mounds tell tales of a sophisticated civilization that thrived over 2,000 years ago.

In the winding paths of the Scioto River in south-central Ohio, the landscape rises with earthen mounds, remnants of an advanced Native American society that flourished across eastern North America. This woodland area has been inhabited for approximately 12,000 years, with a complex culture emerging about 2,300 years ago. The inhabitants hunted large game like mammoths and bison with expertly crafted tools, including spears and bows, and created intricate religious artifacts from materials such as shells and copper.

Section 1.1: The Hopewell Culture

One of the prominent centers of this civilization was located at Hopewell in southern Ohio. The influence of the Hopewell culture stretched along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, encompassing regions from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. For a millennium, the Hopewellians not only constructed mounds but also cultivated crops and maintained an extensive trade network that spanned from the Atlantic to the Rocky Mountains.

To delve deeper into this history, I visited the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park’s Visitor Center, operated by the National Park Service, where I parked near a small mound.

The burial mounds in this area vary significantly, with some reaching heights of 100 feet and covering circumferences of up to 200 feet. In the Ohio River Valley alone, there were once 10,000 mounds. Beyond the conventional circular, square, and oval shapes, some mounds take the form of effigies, resembling animals and even humans, primarily found in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Section 1.2: The Purpose Behind the Mounds

The mounds served as burial sites where individuals were honored with grave goods that reflected their artistry. During my visit to the Hopewell Visitor Center, I spoke with Ranger Joe, who explained that these mounds acted as both crematoria and cemeteries. The deceased were cremated, and mounds were constructed over the sites, with some pits used multiple times. Archaeological findings suggest that these sites transitioned from simple burials to ceremonial platforms, with some mounds even serving as residences for the elite.

Subsection 1.2.1: Grave Artifacts

The burial mounds are treasure troves of artifacts. Archaeologists have discovered copper earspools, headdresses, and effigy pipes. One grave contained 200 broken effigy pipes depicting various animals, possibly indicating the buried individual’s role as a shaman or artisan.

Additionally, hammered copper and fragile mica artifacts were unearthed, illustrating the artistry and complexity of the Moundbuilders. In total, archaeologists have documented around 180,000 artifacts from the Hopewell mounds.

Chapter 2: Spiritual Beliefs of the Moundbuilders

The spirituality of the Moundbuilders is captured in their origin stories. The Choctaw, descendants of the Moundbuilders, recount tales of a sacred mound, "Big Mother," where the first Choctaw emerged. Historian Alvin Josephy, Jr. noted that various Native American cultures believe in a Creator who imbued life into all beings, suggesting a deep connection to nature and spirituality.

The first video titled "Prehistoric Mounds of St Charles - Episode 1 - The Antiquarians" explores the significance of these mounds, delving into their historical context and cultural importance.

Chapter 3: The Agricultural Revolution

Corn played a pivotal role in the Moundbuilders' civilization. Developed in southern Mexico around 7,000 years ago, corn required human intervention for propagation, making it a significant agricultural innovation. As Charles Mann notes, it represents humanity’s first instance of genetic engineering.

When did corn reach Hopewell? Ranger Joe indicated it arrived within the last 1,000 years, but I questioned whether such an essential crop could have taken so long to spread along trading routes.

Evidence from the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in New Mexico showed corn cobs dating back 3,500 years, suggesting the possibility that corn arrived at Hopewell much earlier than previously thought.

The second video, "The Lost Mounds of Aurora - The Hill-Lewis Expedition," investigates the archaeological findings that reveal the extensive trading networks of the Moundbuilders, showcasing the far-reaching connections they established.

Chapter 4: Trade and Connectivity

Artifacts found in Hopewell mounds, such as seashells and copper, indicate a vast trading system that connected distant regions. Ranger Kate explained that these items were likely brought back by Hopewellians from trading expeditions, emphasizing the community's role in crafting these goods into exquisite artworks.

The mounds themselves may have served as celestial calendars, aligning with significant astronomical events. Ranger Joe pointed out that certain peaks aligned with the Northern Lunar Standstill, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of celestial cycles.

Chapter 5: The Rise and Decline of Cahokia

Generations of Native Americans continued the legacy of the Moundbuilders, with sites like Cahokia flourishing around 1,000 years ago. The city is estimated to have housed between 10,000 and 20,000 residents, rivaling London in size during its peak.

The elite lived atop mounds, influencing societal structures and directing construction efforts. Hiking up Monk’s Mound provided a stunning view of both the mounds and St. Louis in the distance.

As the Moundbuilders began to disperse in the mid-16th century, likely due to climate changes or social upheaval, their legacy continued through various tribes, such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Osage Nation.

Today, many mounds have been lost to agriculture, yet those that remain, like those at Hopewell and Cahokia, offer a glimpse into the rich history of this remarkable civilization.

References

Alvin M. Josephy, Jr., (1994), 500 Nations: An Illustrated History of North American Indians, Alfred A Knopf.

Charles C. Mann, 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, Alfred A. Knopf.