Four Mounds Site facts for kids

The Four Mounds Site is a special historical place in Dubuque, Iowa, United States. It features a line of four cone-shaped mounds on a high cliff. These mounds look out over the mighty Mississippi River. They were built a very long time ago, before written history.

This site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This list helps protect important places in the U.S. In 2002, it also became part of the larger Four Mounds Estate Historic District.

What Are the Four Mounds Site?

The Four Mounds Site is a group of four ancient mounds. These mounds are like big, round hills made by people long ago. They sit on a bluff, which is a high, steep bank, overlooking the Mississippi River.

These mounds are "prehistoric." This means they were built before people started writing down history in this area. They are very old and tell us about the people who lived here centuries ago.

History of the Mounds

The mounds at this site were likely built by Native American people. They often used mounds as burial places for important people. Sometimes, mounds were also used for ceremonies or as special gathering spots.

These mounds are a key part of the history of Iowa. They show us how early communities lived and honored their dead. Protecting these sites helps us learn about the past.

Why Are Historic Places Protected?

The Four Mounds Site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the official list of places in the United States that are important to our history. Being on this list helps protect the site. It means people recognize its value and work to keep it safe for future generations.

The site is also a "contributing property" to the Four Mounds Estate Historic District. This means it adds to the historical importance of a larger area. It's like being a special piece in a bigger historical puzzle.