Cahokia Heights is one of the newest cities in the country. It was just established in May of 2021, as a merger between Alorton, Cahokia, and Centreville. The three smaller cities voted to enact the merger with a 61% majority, and since then, the city has been thriving. The local community is excited about the merger because it freed up funds earmarked for new infrastructure, public safety, schools, and other improvements to make their quality of life even better.
One of the most incredible attractions is the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site. This 3.5 square miles ancient ruin was once a thriving city between 1050 and 1350 CE. At its largest, the city covered about six square miles and contain about 120 manmade dirt mounds in various shapes, sizes, and functions. Today, there are still about 80 of these mounds. Cahokia was the largest and most influential settlement of the Mississippian people who developed communities across what is now southeastern and central United States, 1,000 years before the Europeans arrived. It’s considered the most complex and largest archaeological site north of Mexico. It is also one of 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, as well as a State Historic Park.
History buffs don’t miss the Old Cahokia Courthouse, which has had a whirlwind existence as far as structures go. It’s been reconstructed and moved several times before Cahokia residents lobbied to return it to its original location. It is a reconstructed French-Canadian building built in the 1730s and has served many roles. Originally built as a home, the city converted it into a courthouse in 1793, and so it remained for the next twenty years. A few years later, Lewis and Clark used the building as a headquarters, where they collected information, gathered supplies, corresponded with President Jefferson, and planned gifts for the tribes they would eventually encounter. The building is now open to the public as part of the Colonial Cahokia State Historic Sites complex, and it is one of the oldest historic sites in the country. The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has been taking care of the structure since 1985 and often puts together exhibits about the area’s history.
The new city is also just a few miles away from busy, bustling St. Louis. The St. Louis Zoo has been educating and capturing the hearts of visitors with their animal exhibits since 1910. Every few weeks, the zoo puts on events for children and is involved in many educational and conservation initiatives. The St. Louis Arts Museum exhibits an amazing variety of subjects, from the Oliver Lee Jackson paintings to the Arts on the River Bicentennial Celebration Exhibit. The vibrant colors of the paints and the captivating history the informative projects delve into are sure to capture curious minds. The City Museum is an incredible repurposed 100-year-old warehouse that local artists have turned into a giant complex of tunnels, bridges, castles, climbs, and slides. It is one of the most unique attractions in the state, and the whole family can spend the whole day traversing this urban jungle.
When the three cities merged, wildlife didn’t get the memo that they weren’t welcome to stay. If intrusive critters are on your Cahokia Height’s property or in your home, Veteran’s Pride Wildlife Control is here to handle the problem. Our experts are ready to make those pesky critters clear out and stay out.
Contact us today for an estimate.