Monks Mound

The earthwork reaches a height of 30 meters and covers an area of 14 acres at the center of the Cahokia archaeological site.

Native Americans of the Mississippian culture constructed this monumental structure between 900 and 1200 CE through multiple building phases using soil layers.

The structure served as a ceremonial center where leaders conducted religious rituals and maintained authority over the surrounding Cahokia settlement.

Visitors can climb wooden stairs to reach the top platform, offering views across the Mississippi River valley and the modern city of St. Louis.

The base of this earthen pyramid extends over a larger surface than the Great Pyramid of Giza, making it the largest pre-Columbian earthwork in North America.

Location: Madison County

Elevation above the sea: 157 m

Height: 30 m

Part of: Cahokia

GPS coordinates: 38.66070,-90.06200

Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:19