When you think of pyramids, your mind likely wanders to Egypt’s Giza Plateau or the grand temples of Central America. But did you know the United States is home to its own ancient pyramids? These structures, known as mound pyramids or earthworks, were built by advanced civilizations that predate European arrival by thousands of years. They stand as a testament to the ingenuity of Native American societies, challenging traditional narratives about history and migration.
Where Are These Pyramids?
These mound pyramids and earthworks are found in many states across the U.S., highlighting the extent of Native American ingenuity:
- Cahokia Mounds (Illinois): Near St. Louis, Cahokia was once the largest city north of Mexico, with over 120 mounds. The centerpiece, Monks Mound, is a 100-foot-tall platform used for ceremonies and governance.
- Moundville Archaeological Park (Alabama): This site near Tuscaloosa has 29 platform mounds arranged around a central plaza, showcasing Mississippian culture (1000–1450 CE).
- Poverty Point (Louisiana): Built around 1700 BCE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes massive ridges and a 70-foot-tall ceremonial mound.
- LSU Campus Mounds (Louisiana): These small mounds on Louisiana State University's campus are over 6,000 years old, making them some of North America's oldest man-made structures.
- Serpent Mound (Ohio): This iconic, snake-shaped mound aligns with astronomical events and is believed to have been constructed by the Adena or Fort Ancient cultures.
- Grave Creek Mound (West Virginia): One of the largest conical burial mounds in North America, built by the Adena culture around 250–150 BCE.
- Etowah Indian Mounds (Georgia): A Mississippian ceremonial site featuring six earthen mounds, including a large temple mound.
- Kolomoki Mounds (Georgia): A Woodland culture site with several mounds used for ceremonial and burial purposes.
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (Ohio): Known for its elaborate earthworks, including geometric designs and burial mounds.
- Newark Earthworks (Ohio): A complex of geometric earthworks used for ceremonial purposes and aligned with lunar cycles.
- Angel Mounds (Indiana): A large Mississippian town with 11 mounds and evidence of a thriving community.
- Spiro Mounds (Oklahoma): A ceremonial and trade hub of the Mississippian culture.
- Caddo Mounds (Texas): Built by the Caddo people, these mounds were centers for spiritual and political life.
- Effigy Mounds (Iowa): Unique mounds shaped like animals, including birds and bears, created by the Woodland culture.
What Do These Mounds Tell Us?
The scale and complexity of these structures reveal the advanced knowledge of engineering, astronomy, and agriculture possessed by Native peoples. Many were aligned with celestial events or built in intricate geometric patterns, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world. Trade networks stretched across the continent, connecting civilizations from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast.
A New Perspective on Black and Native Histories
The existence of these structures also invites deeper questions about who built them and the origins of the people who lived here. Also, some African-descended peoples were already in the Americas, long before the transatlantic slave trade. Scholars like Ivan Van Sertima argue that Africans explored the Americas pre-Columbus, leaving cultural imprints.
It suggests that some Black people were indigenous to the Americas or had integrated with Native cultures. The rich legacies of these civilizations emphasize that history is more interconnected than we've been taught.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
These mounds are more than just earthworks; they’re symbols of resilience, creativity, and cultural complexity. They remind us to honor the history that’s been hidden and to question narratives that erase the contributions of Native and African peoples to the Americas.
What Other Secrets Lie Beneath Our Feet?
Have you ever visited one of these mound pyramids or thought about their significance? How do you think these sites change our understanding of history?
