A vibrant illustration of a Mississippian settlement with large earthen mounds, people farming in misty floodplains at sunrise.

In the lush floodplains of the Mississippi River, around what is now Illinois and Missouri, lived the Mississippians. They were skilled farmers and built massive earthen mounds, some as tall as 100 feet, like the ones at Cahokia. These mounds weren’t just for living—they were for ceremonies, leaders, and even astronomical observations. With fertile land and a strong trade network, they developed a complex society with clear roles and spiritual practices tied to the rhythms of the river. See more