The Hauntingly Beautiful Place In Kentucky That Humans Left Behind
For several centuries the ancient Mississippian People lived on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River on the border of what is now Kentucky and Missouri. They built ceremonial mounds, community plazas and homes, hunted, fished and planted food, and traded with other local people. Then, they vanished from the area. This is the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site. Let’s take a look:
The largest mound is the Ceremonial Mound, which was used for religious purposes. Other mounds include a residential mound and a burial mound, along with several smaller mounds that were used for dwellings.
They cultivated corn and squash, and hunted and fished for food. The people had a hierarchical society, with a chief and other high-ranking men in charge of the village. A central plaza provided community space, with smaller dwellings surrounding it.
The village grew to be fairly large, covering the entire bluff overlooking the river, but around 1350 CE, the people began migrating away from this area. Archaeologists still aren't sure why the people abandoned this beautiful place.
The village grew to be fairly large, covering the entire bluff overlooking the river, but around 1350 CE, the people began migrating away from this area. Archaeologists still aren't sure why the people abandoned this beautiful place.
In addition to a large mural, shown above, the museum showcases many of the artifacts found here.
Most of the excavation was completed in the 1930s, when amateur archaeologist began digging up artifacts and burial sites. This place was operated as a tourist site called "Ancient Buried City." It was later donated to Murray State University.
Excavation was halted to avoid further damaging the mounds. Students and archaeologists study the already-excavated portions of the mounds, but no longer dig. Today, some of the excavated mounds are covered with buildings to protect them. Visitors can see one of the excavated mounds, which is part of the museum.
Excavation was halted to avoid further damaging the mounds. Students and archaeologists study the already-excavated portions of the mounds, but no longer dig. Today, some of the excavated mounds are covered with buildings to protect them. Visitors can see one of the excavated mounds, which is part of the museum.
Visit the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site from March through October. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Have you ever visited the Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site? We’d love to hear about your visit! If you’re interested in more Kentucky history, check out this underground tour.
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