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Rockwell Mound Historic Site: Echoes of the Hopewell Culture

Explore ancient history at Rockwell Mound in Havana, IL: Discover Native American heritage and a link to the Hopewell culture in a peaceful park setting.

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Rockwell Mound Historic Site in Havana, Illinois, preserves a significant Native American burial mound dating back approximately 2,000 years. Located within Rockwell Park, the site offers a glimpse into the lives and culture of the Hopewell people who once thrived in the Illinois River Valley. The mound, a testament to their elaborate funerary practices, stands as the second largest in the Midwest.

A brief summary to Rockwell Mound Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the park area, as there are scenic spots for relaxation.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the park has several trails to explore.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Havana, the Rockwell Mound Historic Site is easily accessible on foot. Head towards W Franklin St and walk to Rockwell Park. The site is open from 5 AM to 10 PM daily.

  • Car

    To reach Rockwell Mound Historic Site by car, start on I-55 N from your location in Central Illinois. Take exit 40B for IL-97 N toward Havana. Follow IL-97 N for about 18 miles until you reach Havana. Once in Havana, turn left onto W Franklin St. Continue on W Franklin St for about 0.5 miles, and you will find Rockwell Park. There is no admission fee for visiting the site.

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Discover more about Rockwell Mound Historic Site

Rockwell Mound Historic Site, situated in Rockwell Park in Havana, Illinois, offers a compelling journey into the past, revealing the rich heritage of the Middle Woodland period's Hopewell culture. Constructed around 200 AD, this impressive earthwork stands as the second-largest Native American mound in the Midwest, covering nearly two acres and rising fourteen feet high. It is a significant archaeological landmark, providing insight into the burial practices and societal structures of the early inhabitants of the Illinois River Valley. Visitors can explore the serene environment of Rockwell Park, where interpretive signs offer fascinating details about the mound's history and significance. The mound served as a burial site for honored members of the Hopewell community, reflecting their ordered society, rich symbolism, and elaborate funerary customs. The construction of Rockwell Mound was a monumental undertaking, estimated to have required 1,760,000 baskets full of earth. The Hopewell people also participated in a network of long-distance trade, exchanging finished goods and raw materials such as obsidian, grizzly bear teeth, copper, lead, and marine shell. Rockwell Park itself has a rich history beyond the mound. In 1849, N.J. Rockwell donated the land to the community. The park was the site of an 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate, with Stephen Douglas speaking on August 13th and Abraham Lincoln following the next day. Today, visitors can enjoy the park's playground facilities, picnic areas, and walking trails, making it an ideal destination for families and history enthusiasts alike. The Rockwell Mound was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and continues to offer a tangible link to the past, reminding visitors of the vibrant cultures that once flourished in the Illinois River Valley.

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