Cloverdale archaeological site facts for kids
The Cloverdale archaeological site is a special place near St. Joseph, Missouri. It's where archaeologists have found amazing clues about ancient people who lived there long ago. This site is located right where a small valley meets the mighty Missouri River.
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Discovering the Cloverdale Site
Archaeologists have dug carefully at Cloverdale. They found that different groups of people lived here at different times. The first people arrived around 100 to 500 CE. They were part of a group known as the Kansas City Hopewell.
Hundreds of years later, around 1200 CE, another group moved in. These were the Steed-Kisker people. They lived in the area that is now Kansas City, Missouri.
Who Were the Steed-Kisker People?
At first, experts thought the Steed-Kisker people were like other groups from the central plains. These groups were part of what's called the Plains Village period. But the Cloverdale site showed some big differences!
Instead of living in large villages, the Steed-Kisker people at Cloverdale lived in smaller farmsteads. Their pottery and house designs were also unique. They looked more like things found at a huge ancient city called Cahokia. Cahokia was far away, east of the Mississippi River.
Clues from Ancient Homes
One house found at Cloverdale was very interesting. It was small and rectangular. It was also partly dug into the ground. Its walls were made of posts set into individual holes. This type of house was very similar to some found at Cahokia.
Pottery and Tools Tell a Story
Archaeologists also found special pottery at Cloverdale. These included jars with decorated shoulders. They also found water bottles, bean pots, and pots shaped like animals or people. These items were typical of the Cahokia style.
Many stone arrowheads and spear points were also found. These were important tools for hunting and daily life. They also showed connections to the larger Mississippian culture.
A Mix of Cultures
Based on these discoveries, experts believe something exciting happened. From about 1000 to 1250 CE, people from Cahokia and similar big cities moved to places like Cloverdale. They brought their traditions with them.
Over time, these new settlers learned from the local people. They also used local materials and resources. This created a new way of life that mixed ideas from both the Mississippian culture and the Plains people.
What Was Cahokia?
Cahokia was a huge ancient city. It was located east of the Mississippi River. It had many large platform mounds and other big earthworks. A very large population lived there.
Cahokia was the biggest and most important city of the Mississippian culture. This culture spread across the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys. It also reached into the southeastern United States.
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