Giant City Stone Fort Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Giant City Stone Fort Site
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Makanda, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.4 acres (0.57 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000848 |
| Added to NRHP | August 9, 2002 |
The Giant City Stone Fort Site is a really old stone wall structure. It is located inside Giant City State Park in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. This site is from a time called the Late Woodland period. It was built and used between the years 600 and 900 AD.
This stone fort is one of ten similar sites found in Southern Illinois. All these old places were built on high ground, like hills or sloped ridges. The Giant City site sits on a sloped ridge. Experts used to think these stone walls were for fighting. But now, most archaeologists believe they were special meeting places or spots for important ceremonies.
Contents
Exploring the Giant City Stone Fort
The original stone wall of the fort was taken apart by early European settlers. They used the stones to build their own homes and structures. Because of this, only the stone base of the original wall remains today.
Rebuilding the Wall
In 1934, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps helped rebuild the wall. They did this while working to improve the state park. This reconstruction helped bring some of the fort's original look back.
Discovering the Past
The first official studies of the site happened in 1956. Archaeologists from Southern Illinois University led these early investigations. Later, a more detailed study of the site took place in 2000 and 2001. Today, visitors to the park can easily reach the site by following a nature trail.
A Historic Landmark
The Giant City Stone Fort Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 9, 2002. This means it is recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
