Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act

Bill 118 s 4164, also known as the Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The bill aims to authorize a study of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America.

The Cahokia Mounds were built by the Mississippian culture between 800 and 1400 AD and are believed to have been the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. The site includes over 80 mounds, including Monks Mound, which is the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas.

The study authorized by the bill would be conducted by the National Park Service in collaboration with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and other relevant stakeholders. The purpose of the study is to assess the significance of the Cahokia Mounds and to make recommendations for their preservation and interpretation. The bill also authorizes the appropriation of funds for the study, which would cover expenses such as research, analysis, and public outreach. The findings of the study would be submitted to Congress and made available to the public. Overall, the Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act seeks to further our understanding of this important archaeological site and to ensure its preservation for future generations.