Misconceptions of “Stupendous Antiquities” : Native American Mounds, Euro-Americans, and Racial Ideas

A study reveals that the neglect of Indigenous mound sites, such as Cahokia near St. Louis, Illinois, stems from 19th-century Euro-American racial attitudes and misconceptions. Despite Cahokia's grandeur—comparable to London in size by 1200 AD and featuring advanced engineering, urban planning, and astronomical knowledge—the site was not protected until 1964 due to widespread dismissal of Indigenous capabilities. Scholars often attributed these structures to non-Indigenous cultures or aliens, reinforcing stereotypes that Indigenous peoples were incapable of such achievements. This research demonstrates how racial biases led to the degradation and neglect of these sites, highlighting the intersection of antiquities preservation with historical perceptions of race.

Hart, L. Misconceptions of “Stupendous Antiquities” : Native American Mounds, Euro-Americans, and Racial Ideas. https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.488