Cahokia Mounds receives 10 millionth visitor

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site on Tuesday, Aug. 13, welcomed its 10 millionth visitor since achieving the rare distinction of being designated a world heritage site, according to a press release.

Michelle Miller, of Waterloo, was the 10 millionth visitor, accompanied by her mother, Lorraine Novak; daughter Gabrielle Miller; and her daughter’s friend Keira Schmitz. Miller received a personal tour of the site and a $100 gift certificate from the Cahokia Mounds Museum Society.

Miller couldn’t quite believe she was the 10 millionth visitor. Miller and her family are huge fans of Cahokia Mounds and visit the site often from their home about 25 miles away. She said her daughter practically knows the exhibits by heart.

Cahokia Mounds was declared a world heritage site in 1982 in recognition of its unique role in history. The site once served as the civil and religious center of the sprawling Mississippian Culture. Thousands of people fished, farmed, worshipped and traded with other cultures.

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/illinois/life/mounds-receives-millionth-visitor/article_60a53dd9-6e68-5f7e-90c3-f0882da9f0ad.html