Revealing Greater Cahokia, North America’s first Native city: rediscovery and large-scale excavations of the East St. Louis Precinct

Large-scale excavations at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, North America's first Native city, have uncovered significant insights into the East St. Louis Precinct, revealing artifacts that hint at the presence of now-extinct species like the passenger pigeon and ivory-billed woodpecker. This discovery sheds light on the ecological richness and biodiversity of the region during Cahokia's peak occupancy (circa 1050–1350 CE). The research employed systematic archaeological methods, including stratified excavations and artifact analysis, to reconstruct the precinct's layout and function within the broader urban landscape. Findings challenge traditional narratives about Cahokia's environment and underscore its role as a complex, interconnected city.

Cobb, C. R. (2019). Revealing Greater Cahokia, North America’s first Native city: rediscovery and large-scale excavations of the East St. Louis Precinct. Southeastern Archaeology, 39(1), 61–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/0734578x.2019.1640573