Patient research in field and archive has documented the existence of a remarkably extensive and diverse distribution of Indian earthworks in the Chicago region dating from ancient times. Many sites are difficult to associate with any particular people or time period. Similarly, their individual functions remain largely obscure, and some no longer survive, such as the mound that was once near the 79th Street beach on Chicago's South Side.

Authors: Michael P. Conzen and James A. Marshall
Source: Newberry Library