Millstone Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest

Ancient Rock Carvings in Illinois

From the parking lot, view the spectacular bluffs that jut out from the surrounding flat terrain. Hike in at the trailhead and follow the ¾ mile wood chipped path to the top of the bluffs. The incline is mild but continues gradually until it reaches the top of the 320 foot bluff; benches are available for resting and soaking in the natural woodland splendor of the surrounding area.

Upon reaching the top, follow the trail straight to see unique petroglyphs etched into the rock by the Mississippians almost 500 years ago including bird and spider images or follow the circular trail to the left to see what remains of this ancient settlement. Please, stay on the trail to preserve these unique insights into Native American history.

The Mississippi Tribe

The Mississippians built semi subterranean dwellings. The walls were woven with branches forming a basket-like enclosure then packed with clay for protection from heat and cold. The dwellings often caught fire leaving solid clay remnants that were useful for analyzing the Mississippians’ building practices.

In warm weather, this Native American tribe primarily cooked outside, but in poor weather conditions, prepared food indoors on a clay hearth. These dwellings were typically used for around twenty years and then were destroyed and filled with remnants disposed by the culture. Some of the artifacts found within the abandoned dwelling areas include Mississippian arrow points, stone knives, celts (small polished axes), and chert used for re-sharpening stone hoes.

The presence of gardening tools suggest that the Mississippians that inhabited the area were farmers who most likely tended crops in the floodplain of Bay Creek. For more information on the archaeological significance of the Millstone Bluffs area, visit the USDA’s report on the archaeological findings at Millstone Bluff.

Southern Illinois University Archaeological Study

During the summers of 1996, 1997, and 1999, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Department of Anthropological Methods Field Study conducted various investigations into what remains of this undisturbed prehistoric Mississippian village. Members of these teams pinpointed the sights of daily Mississippian activities including housing remnants, a stone-box cemetery, and a late woodland stone fort. Then, they assessed Native American construction methods used in this particular village.