Archaeologists discover remains of 'bustling' Native American city in East St. Louis

(Image credit: Facebook.com/Illinois State Archaeological Survey)

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a huge Native American city in East St. Louis, Illinois.

During a dig at the site of the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Illinois State Archaeological Survey team found pottery fragments, arrows, stone tools, and other remains that suggest the area was much more populated than was previously believed.

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The archaeologists still aren't sure why so many immigrants moved to East St. Louis, but Koldehoff believes it may have been for religious reasons, as if East St. Louis were "the founding of a holy site." The pottery fragments indicate immigration, with materials from Southern Missouri or Northern Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The team is also unsure why the East St. Louis population suddenly decreased, with the site almost completely abandoned by 1,200 C.E., though they believe a "severe drought" may be responsible.

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Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.