The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native
civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds
State Historic Site. Within the 2,200-acre tract, located a few
miles west of Collinsville, Illinois, lie the archaeological
remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement that
is today known as Cahokia.  View of Monk's Mound  A World
Treasure In 1982, the United Nations Educational, Scientific,
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), designated Cahokia Mounds a
World Heritage Site for its importance to our understanding of
the prehistory of North America. Cahokia Mounds has also been
recognized as a U. S. National Historic Landmark. Cahokia Mounds
is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency as a
State Historic Site.  A Thriving Ancient Metropolis According to
archaeological finds, the city of Cahokia was inhabited from
about A.D. 700 to 1400. At its peak, from A.D. 1050 to 1200, the
city covered nearly six square miles and 10,000 to 20,000 people
lived here. Over 120 mounds