Life Before Columbus

Long before Europeans set foot in the Americas, vibrant and diverse societies flourished across the continent. These groups, often called "Native Americans" or "Indigenous Peoples," developed complex cultures, technologies, and governments.

Major Civilizations

• Mississippian Mound Builders: Built gigantic earthen mounds for ceremonies and lived in large towns, like Cahokia.
• Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi): Created cliff dwellings and irrigation systems in the Southwest.
• Iroquois Confederacy: Formed a sophisticated political alliance in the Northeast.

Diverse Lifestyles

Native peoples adapted to their environments:

• Plains tribes followed bison herds.
• Pacific Northwest groups relied on fishing and built totem poles.
• Eastern Woodlands tribes farmed corn, beans, and squash.

Why It Matters

Understanding these societies helps us appreciate the depth of American history before European contact. Their achievements, challenges, and resilience still shape our world today.

Real-World Connection

Native American innovations, like sustainable agriculture and democratic ideas, continue to inspire environmentalists and political thinkers.