Mound 34

Mound 34 is an earthen platform mound situated approximately 400 meters east of Monks Mound in Collinsville. The structure contains residential remains and workshop areas where ancient peoples processed copper and manufactured metal objects.

The mound was built during the Mississippian period as a center of copper production and craft specialization. Archaeological work between 2002 and 2010 uncovered evidence of sustained metalworking activity that spanned multiple generations.

The mound served as a center for copper crafting, where artisans made ceremonial objects and practical items from raw copper. Visitors can see how skilled workers here developed specialized techniques that set them apart from other settlements.

The site is accessible through the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, where interpretative displays explain the site's history and significance. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and sometimes overgrown.

A copper workshop uncovered here stands as one of the few known examples from the Mississippian culture. The remains reveal a sophisticated ventilation system that allowed craftspeople to melt and shape metal efficiently.

Location: Collinsville

GPS coordinates: 38.66085,-90.05678

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01