Ancient DNA

The following link is to an article about DNA extracted from bones buried at Hopewell Mound Site. The results were compared to a database of mtDNA of groups from all over the world.

As more research is compiled and the database grows larger there is a definite possibility that may answer the question of who first populated the new world could be encoded in our DNA. I don’t want to sensationalize such findings as this is just the beginning of this type of research. However, keeping a mind open to all the possibilities and paying attention to the details may bring to light answers that were always staring right at us. There is a great contribution of all the sciences that may teach us to look at the whole picture and not just a piece that fits our preconceived notions.

http://www.friendsofpast.org/earliest-americans/030807OhioDNA.html

Blood Run National Historic Landmark

 

http://plaintalk.net/2013/07/good-earth-state-park-at-blood-run-dedicated-friday/

http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/good-earth/

I am constantly amazed at the number of significant sites that are in the Midwest.  Recently, I came across the Blood Run site and though the information has been limited I was excited to see that it has become a State Park.  Future plans include a visitor’s center and hiking trails. Reading additional information I found that earlier accounts suggest there was a 1/8 mile in length earthen serpent effigy though no trace remains today.  My curiosity was peaked at the possibility that there may be two serpent mounds.  In earlier accounts it states that there were possibly 275 mounds in that area with only 80 visible today.   In the near future I will be visiting this site.  I hope to have further information and images to post.

Blood Run Site & Spirit Mound in southeast corner of SD

Spirit Mound

The first recorded history of Spirit Mound was from Lewis and Clark.  Spirit Mound is located in Vermillion, SD.  Though the mound is not a true mound but actually a kind of formation called rochee moutonee.  The Sioux, Omaha and the Otoes believed that the mound was inhabited by spirits or little men who would kill anyone who tried to approach the hill. After, visiting this mound I could appreciate how the legend came about.

Even now when one hikes up the little hill the view is incredible of the surrounding landscape.  It takes just a little imagination to picture the sea of prairie grass and flowers that surrounded the area.  In 2001 the state parks began prairie restoration restoring the land around the mound to its origins.

Though, this blog is dedicated to prehistoric mounds and even though the Native Americans did not build it.  This mound was a special place and reverence was given to it and should be appreciated for its true beauty.  If ever in this area it is definitely worth a look and to take the short hike up the mound.

 

The Beginning

Growing up in the Midwest I have acquired a fascination with its unique prehistoric past.  I am intrigued by the story of the Mound Builders.  It is a beautiful and unsung history of a civilization that rivaled other European cities of that time.  

The mystery that surrounds and the lessons that might be learned as a once thriving metropolis was abandoned in such a short period of time.  The legacy they left behind with countless mounds which dotted the prairies.  

It is not known how many mounds have been destroyed over the years.  Few mounds are protected and preserved.  It is my hope that a growing awareness of the importance of preserving such a unique history will continue to grow and someday find the answers as to what happened to this unique group of people.