Key Ideas
Native people lived along the Mississippi River long before
European explorers came to North America.
Archaeologists gave the name "Mound Builders" to ancient people who
built mounds along the Mississippi River.
Earthen mounds are among the evidence left by a people who lived long ago along
the Mississippi River. These people were farmers who settled into one area and
stayed through all the seasons of sowing, growing and reaping. Since pottery is
heavy to move and breaks easily, it is not usually made by people who are
continually on the move.