Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area: A Window to the Past

Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area, located within the Shawnee National Forest near Simpson, Illinois, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of prehistoric Native Americans. This natural bluff, rising 320 feet above the surrounding valley, was once home to a thriving village, primarily inhabited by Mississippian peoples between AD 1350 and 1550. However, archaeological evidence suggests that Late Woodland peoples also occupied the site between AD 600 and 900, constructing stone forts.The mile-long interpretive trail leads you through the ancient village site, where you can still see remnants of the semi-subterranean houses built by the Mississippian people. These homes were constructed by digging rectangular pits, erecting timber posts, weaving branches between the posts, and packing the walls with clay. The trail also passes by a stone box cemetery, where the Mississippians buried their dead in stone-lined graves.One of the most fascinating features of Millstone Bluff is the petroglyph site, where you can view ancient rock carvings etched into the stone by the Mississippian people. These carvings include images of birds, spiders, and other motifs, offering insights into the beliefs and practices of these early inhabitants. The bluff itself is composed of Kinkaid Limestone, which was quarried by early settlers for milling stones. The quarry marks are still visible today. The relatively undisturbed nature of Millstone Bluff for over 500 years provides archaeologists with a rare glimpse into the lives of Native Americans.