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Rockwell Mound Historic Site: Echoes of the Hopewell Culture

Discover ancient history at Rockwell Mound in Havana, IL: a Native American landmark and vestige of the Hopewell culture.

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Explore the ancient Rockwell Mound in Havana, Illinois, a significant Native American burial mound dating back to 200 AD. Part of Rockwell Park, this historical landmark offers a glimpse into the Hopewell culture and the prehistory of the Illinois River Valley.

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're 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.

  • Public Transport

    Take a Greyhound bus from St. Louis to Havana. Once you arrive at the Havana bus station, you can either walk or take a local taxi to reach Rockwell Mound Historic Site. Walking from the bus station to the site will take approximately 20 minutes. Head north on N. 4th St, then turn left onto W Franklin St. The Rockwell Mound Historic Site will be on your right.

  • Car

    To reach Rockwell Mound Historic Site by car, start on I-55 N from your location in Central Illinois. Continue on I-55 N for approximately 40 miles. 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, which contains the historic site. There is no admission fee for visiting the site.

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Discover more about Rockwell Mound Historic Site

Rockwell Mound Historic Site, located in Havana's Rockwell Park, offers a captivating journey into the past. This impressive earthen mound, constructed around 200 AD by people of the Middle Woodland Culture, stands as a testament to the sophisticated societies that once thrived in the Illinois River Valley. Covering nearly two acres and rising approximately 14 feet high, Rockwell Mound is one of the largest surviving mounds of its kind in the Midwest. It was likely a significant ceremonial and trading center for the Havana-Hopewell culture, who participated in long-distance trade networks. These networks distributed exotic materials like obsidian, copper, and marine shells across the mid-continent. The construction of the mound itself was a monumental undertaking, requiring an estimated 1,760,000 baskets of earth. Rockwell Park, where the mound is located, has a rich history beyond its ancient origins. In 1849, N.J. Rockwell donated the land to the community. The park also served as a site for public speaking, most notably during the Lincoln-Douglas debates when both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln addressed crowds there in August 1858. Today, visitors can explore the mound, read interpretive signs detailing its history, and enjoy the surrounding park's amenities, including a playground and picnic areas. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

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