Attraction Guide: Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Evansville, United States

Angel Mounds State Historic Site Guide

Angel Mounds: Journey Back in Time to an Ancient City Guide

Step back in time at Angel Mounds State Historic Site, one of the best-preserved Native American sites in North America. Located just southeast of Evansville, Indiana, this fascinating site offers a glimpse into the lives of the Middle Mississippian people who thrived here between 1000 and 1450 AD. Explore the impressive earthen mounds, learn about their culture, and imagine what life was like in this bustling ancient city. Angel Mounds was once a major political, religious, and economic center for the Mississippian culture. The site features twelve earthen mounds, which served as platforms for homes, temples, and other important structures. The largest mound, known as Temple Mound, stands over 40 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Archaeological excavations have revealed a wealth of information about the people who lived here, including their farming practices, religious beliefs, and social organization. The site was abandoned around 1450 AD for reasons that remain a mystery to this day. Today, Angel Mounds State Historic Site offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Explore the mounds on foot, visit the interpretive center to learn more about the Mississippian culture, and participate in guided tours and educational programs. The site also hosts special events throughout the year, including Native American cultural demonstrations and archaeological digs. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition directly tied to the site's current offerings, imagining the foods the Mississippian people cultivated and consumed – corn, beans, squash, and wild game – adds another layer to the experience.