13 Cities Where History's Darkest Secrets Are Hidden in Plain Sight

7. The Vanished Civilization of Cahokia: America’s Forgotten City

Long before European settlers arrived in North America, the ancient city of Cahokia thrived along the banks of the Mississippi River near present-day St. Louis. As the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, Cahokia was a bustling hub of trade, culture, and political power. Its most prominent feature, Monks Mound, is a massive earthen structure that dominates the landscape, serving as a testament to the city's architectural and engineering achievements. Despite its significance, Cahokia was abandoned around the 13th century, and the reasons for its decline remain unclear. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of social unrest, environmental changes, and resource depletion, but no definitive explanation has emerged. The absence of written records adds to the mystery, leaving us to piece together the story of Cahokia through its artifacts and remains.