Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Western side of Quarry Rd., south of Illinois River Rd. |
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| Area | 45 acres (18 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000816 |
| Added to NRHP | June 14, 1979 |
The Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site is an ancient place in Calhoun County, Illinois. It is located where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi River. This site helps us learn about people who lived here long before Christopher Columbus arrived.
This special place is connected to the Havana Hopewell culture. It has two main parts: a large earthwork called Golden Eagle and a living area called Toppmeyer.
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Exploring the Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site
What is the Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site?
The Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site is an important archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists study old things to learn about the past. It shows us how ancient people lived and traded.
The site covers about 45 acres. It is a key spot for understanding the Woodland period in this part of North America.
The Golden Eagle Earthwork
The Golden Eagle earthwork is a very old structure made of earth. It was built during the Middle Woodland period, between 150 BC and 450 AD. This makes it over 1,500 years old!
It is the only geometric earthwork from that time in the central Mississippi River valley. This rounded earthwork includes two mounds. One mound is right in the middle of the earthwork. The other mound is at an opening, which might have been an entrance.
The Toppmeyer Habitation Site
The Toppmeyer habitation site is where people actually lived. This part of the site is next to the western edge of the earthwork. It dates from a bit later, around 750 AD, during the Late Woodland period.
Archaeologists study this area to find clues about the daily lives of the people who lived there. They look for tools, pottery, and other items.
A Hub for Ancient Trade
Scientists believe the Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site was a very important place for ancient people. It was likely a center where different groups of Hopewell people met. They probably traded goods and shared ideas. This made it a busy hub for cultural exchange in the Illinois River valley.
Protecting This Important Place
Because of its historical value, the Golden Eagle-Toppmeyer Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 14, 1979. This helps protect the site so future generations can continue to learn from it.
