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15 Ancient Wonders Right Here In The US

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America is home to some of the most fascinating ancient wonders, often hidden in plain sight. These incredible landmarks, created by civilizations long before modern history, hold mysteries, beauty, and stories that defy time. Here are 15 ancient wonders you might not know existed in America.

Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming

U.S. Forest Service/Wikipedia

Due to its enigmatic history, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a sacred Native American site with a mysterious past. The large stone structure, shaped like a wheel, has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies. Its purpose and origins remain debated, but it continues to be a place of spiritual significance for many tribes.

Chaco Canyon, New Mexico

National Park Service (United States)/Wikipedia

In the heart of New Mexico, Chaco Canyon showcases the architectural prowess of the Ancestral Puebloans. Built between 900 and 1150 AD, it served as a cultural hub with its Great Houses and advanced road systems. Chaco Canyon’s structures are famously aligned to solar and lunar events, which indicates their deep connection to the cosmos.

The Puye Cliff Dwellings, New Mexico

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The Puye Cliff Dwellings in northern New Mexico were home to the Ancestral Puebloans long before European settlers arrived. Directly carved into the cliffs, these dwellings were part of a thriving community that dates back to the 12th century. Their multi-level complex includes rooms, storage areas, and even ceremonial kivas.

Cahokia Mounds, Illinois

Skubasteve834/Wikipedia

Cahokia Mounds, located in Illinois, was once the largest and most sophisticated pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. This ancient city flourished around 1000 AD and was home to 20,000 people at its peak. Its centerpiece, Monk’s Mound, is a massive earthen pyramid that rivals the Great Pyramids of Egypt in size.

Petroglyph National Monument, New Mexico 

Steven C. Price/Wikipedia

In New Mexico, the Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest ancient rock carvings in North America. The carvings, or petroglyphs, were etched into volcanic rock by the indigenous people of the Rio Grande Valley more than 2,000 years ago. These symbols are said to have spiritual significance, depicting animals, human figures, and celestial patterns.

Etowah Indian Mounds, Georgia

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Located in Georgia, the Etowah Indian Mounds were once the center of a thriving Mississippian culture. Built between 1000 and 1550 AD, the site features six earthen mounds, a central plaza, and a surrounding village. The mounds were likely used for religious and political ceremonies, with the largest serving as a platform for the chief’s residence.

Newark Earthworks, Ohio

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The Newark Earthworks in Ohio are the most extensive set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world. Built by the Hopewell culture between 100 BC and 500 AD, these structures include massive circles, squares, and octagons, all constructed with remarkable precision. Many archaeologists believe the earthworks were used for astronomical purposes, as they align with lunar cycles.

Serpent Mound Historical Site, Ohio

Pollinator/Wikipedia

As one of the most iconic ancient structures in America, The Great Serpent Effigy’s purpose remains a mystery. This ancient earthwork, shaped like a snake with a coiled tail, stretches nearly a quarter of a mile. Archaeologists believe it was constructed by Native Americans over 1,000 years ago, but its exact meaning is still debated.

Rock Eagle Effigy Mound, Georgia

Brian McInturff/Wikipedia

Hidden in Georgia’s forest lies the Rock Eagle Effigy Mound, a prehistoric monument shaped like a bird. Constructed from thousands of quartz rocks, the eagle spans 100 feet from wingtip to wingtip. It’s believed to be over 1,000 years old and was likely used for ceremonial purposes by indigenous people.

Dighton Rock, Massachusetts

Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikipedia

The Dighton Rock, a 40-ton boulder covered in petroglyphs, has baffled historians for centuries. Found along the banks of the Taunton River in Massachusetts, the rock’s carvings feature cryptic symbols and images attributed to Vikings, Native Americans, or even early European explorers. The origin of the carvings remains, with no definitive answer to this day.

Moundville Archaeological Park, Alabama

Altairisfar/Wikipedia

Once a thriving cultural and political center, Moundville was the second-largest city in North America around the 13th century. The massive mounds, arranged around a central plaza, were ceremonial and political hubs for Mississippian culture. Visitors today can explore the site’s museum, which reveals the complexity of this ancient society.

The Blythe Intaglios, California

Rsfinlayson/Wikipedia

In the California desert near Blythe, massive figures etched into the ground can only be fully appreciated from the sky. These geoglyphs, known as the Blythe Intaglios, depict human and animal forms, some stretching over 170 feet long. These designs were estimated to be at least 1,000 years old and created by the ancient Native Americans. 

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

Beyond My Ken/Wikipedia

This remarkable cliff dwelling is one of the best-preserved examples of Sinagua architecture. Built into a limestone cliff, Montezuma Castle offers stunning views and a glimpse into the lives of its ancient inhabitants. The ingenuity of its construction is matched only by the breathtaking scenery surrounding this national monument.

Lapakahi State Historical Park, Hawaii

Jimonthebeachinkona/Wikipedia

On the Big Island of Hawaii, Lapakahi State Historical Park preserves the remains of a once-thriving Hawaiian fishing village. Visitors can explore ancient stone structures and learn about the rich cultural practices of the island’s early inhabitants. The stunning coastal views, paired with historical insights, make this park a gem.

America’s Stonehenge, New Hampshire

Richard Haddad/Wikipedia

Often referred to as “America’s Stonehenge,” the mysterious site in New Hampshire has stunned visitors with its ancient stone structures. The site features large stone formations arranged to suggest ancient astronomical alignments. While some theories suggest it’s the work of early settlers, others argue it could be the remnants of a prehistoric civilization.

Written by Castillo Rancon

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