Always Learning Something New
Recent research is shining fresh light on the ancient River city of Cahokia. Named a World Heritage Site in 1982, professional archeologists and amateur historians alike have long been fascinated by Cahokia, the second largest city in North America before European colonization. Home to more people than London in AD 1250, Cahokia was situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River near present day St. Louis. It’s location along the River was strategic for many of the same reasons as our modern River cities: transportation for people, goods and ideas and abundant fresh water and wildlife. Then, it disappeared. Theories abound as to the cause of the city’s demise, from the depletion of natural resources to war or disease, but now it appears the River has thrown its preverbal hat into the ring.
New evidence of a huge flood, at least 33 feet high and by far the largest flood the residents of Cahokia had ever seen, might have had a significant impact on Cahokia. Cahokia’s rise and fall is important; it allows us to study how River communities are created, sustained and possibly how the River affected them.
River Citizens Photo Credit: John Ruskey
Shape Our Evolution
Many River Citizens understand how devastating flooding can be. The River gives us so much, but its power can be a destructive force as well. Learning from the past is an essential part of evolution; it’s what allows us to improve and come closer to living in harmony with nature.
Our annual surveys helps us understand River Citizens’ concerns and gauge the number of actions we’ve collectively taken to improve the health of the River. We need to know: Is flooding a problem for you and your community? How do you enjoy the River? What choices have you made to create a healthier River? Please give us your feedback so we can make informed adjustments to the campaign to better serve you and your community.
Take the 2015 River Citizen survey today!
Annette Anderson
1 Mississippi Campaign Manager
Trivia Question:
Without proper precautions, pollution easily runs off our properties and agricultural lands and into our water supply. How much extra did it cost Des Moines Water Works (and thereby the local taxpayers) in 2013 in order to achieve basic water standards?
a. $20,000
b. $50,000
c. $200,000
d. $900,000
Find out the answer in our newest blog post: How to Support Farmers AND Clean Water