Collins Archeological District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Collins Archeological District
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | West of Lake Mingo at Kennekuk County Park, Danville, Illinois |
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| Area | 113 acres (46 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000872 |
| Added to NRHP | August 3, 1979 |
The Collins Archeological District is a special place in Vermilion County, Illinois. It's an archaeological site that tells us about people who lived there long before Christopher Columbus arrived in America. This time is called the pre-Columbian era.
This site was used around 900 to 1100 A.D., which was during the Late Woodland period. It has two large mounds and a special area for ceremonies. People used this site for important events and rituals.
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What is the Collins Archeological District?
The Collins Archeological District is like an ancient puzzle. It helps us understand how early Native American communities lived. It is located inside Kennekuk County Park.
Who Lived at Collins?
The people who used this site were part of the Late Woodland period. This was a time when Native American groups lived in settled villages. They often farmed and built complex societies.
What Was the Site Used For?
The main part of the Collins site has two large mounds. These mounds were built by hand. They were likely used for special ceremonies or burials. There is also a ceremonial area. This suggests the site was a central gathering place. People came here for important community events.
Connecting with Mississippian Culture
The ceremonies at Collins were influenced by the Mississippian culture. This was a very important and powerful ancient civilization. They lived in what is now the central and southeastern United States. Their most famous city was Cahokia, located near modern-day St. Louis.
The Collins site shows how ideas and traditions spread. It proves that Mississippian culture reached other groups. This happened even far from their main cities like Cahokia. It's like a cultural ripple effect across ancient America.
Why is Collins Archeological District Important?
This site helps us learn about the past. It shows how different Native American cultures interacted. It also teaches us about their beliefs and daily lives.
The Collins Archeological District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 3, 1979. This means it is a protected and important historical place. It helps us preserve the history of Illinois and the United States.
