Vanished Colonies and Civilizations of America – Legends of America
Across the vast expanse of the American continent, from the rugged coastline of Maine to the arid landscapes of Death Valley, California, lie the silent echoes of ancient civilizations and long-lost colonies. These remnants of the past, often shrouded in mystery, offer glimpses into the lives, cultures, and eventual disappearances of the people who once called this land home. The evidence of their existence is scattered across the landscape in the form of artifacts, monumental earthworks, intricate pictographs, and the enduring oral traditions passed down through generations of Native Americans. Supplementing these tangible and intangible remnants are the accounts of early explorers, whose writings sometimes blur the line between reality and fantasy, describing fantastical creatures and awe-inspiring landscapes. Yet, amidst the embellishments, these accounts also speak of undeniable landmarks such as the Great Mound of Cahokia in Illinois and the haunting ruins of Mesa Verde in Colorado.
Over time, the relentless forces of nature, the indifference of progress, and the simple passage of time have conspired to obscure or erase much of this history. Information has been lost or ignored, sites have been ravaged by weather, eroded beyond recognition, or simply paved over by the relentless westward expansion of modern society. Despite these challenges, the stories of lost cities and civilizations continue to captivate our imaginations, and the possibility remains that undiscovered remnants of the past still lie hidden beneath the soil.
Cahokia Mounds People
Emerging as the most sophisticated prehistoric Native civilization north of Mexico, the Cahokia people flourished in the fertile lands of present-day Illinois from approximately A.D. 700 to 1400. Their legacy is etched into the landscape in the form of massive, man-made earthen structures, the most prominent of which is Monks Mound, a colossal platform that dominates the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. This urban center, at its peak, was home to an estimated 40,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time. The Cahokia were skilled farmers, craftsmen, and traders, and their society was highly organized, with a complex social hierarchy and religious beliefs. The reasons for their decline and eventual abandonment of Cahokia remain a subject of debate among archaeologists, with theories ranging from environmental degradation to social unrest.
Greenland’s Vikings
In the late 10th century, Erik the Red, a Norse explorer and outlaw, led a fleet of 25 ships across the treacherous North Atlantic to colonize Greenland. These intrepid Vikings established two settlements along the island’s southwestern coast, which thrived for several centuries, eventually reaching a population of around 5,000 people. They built farms, churches, and communities, adapting to the harsh Arctic environment. However, by the time a European expedition arrived in 1721, the Viking settlements had vanished, leaving behind only ruins as silent testaments to their presence. The reasons for their disappearance are complex and likely involve a combination of factors, including climate change, resource depletion, and conflict with the indigenous Inuit population.
Hidden City of Death Valley
In the heart of Death Valley, a place synonymous with desolation and extremes, whispers of an ancient underground city have persisted for centuries. According to Paiute legends, this hidden metropolis, known as Shin-au-av, or "God’s Land," was once inhabited by an ancient race of people. While the existence of such a city remains unproven, the persistence of the legend speaks to the enduring power of storytelling and the human desire to find meaning and mystery in even the most inhospitable environments. The Paiute people consider Death Valley a sacred place, imbued with spiritual significance, and the legend of Shin-au-av serves as a reminder of the deep connection between the land and its people.
Lost City of Etzanoa
In 1601, Spanish explorers ventured into the heart of what is now south-central Kansas, where they stumbled upon a remarkable sight: a sprawling city of 2,000 houses, each capable of housing ten people. This metropolis, later identified as Etzanoa, was a major center of the Wichita people, who were skilled farmers, hunters, and traders. For centuries, the location of Etzanoa remained a mystery, and some scholars even questioned its existence. However, in 2017, archaeologists finally located the site about 50 miles southeast of Wichita, confirming the accuracy of the Spanish accounts. The discovery of Etzanoa has shed new light on the history of the Wichita people and their complex social and economic systems.
The Lost Clovis Culture
The Clovis people, named after the distinctive fluted spear points they left behind, are considered by many archaeologists to be the first human inhabitants of North America. They emerged around 13,500 years ago, during the late Pleistocene epoch, and quickly spread across the continent, hunting mammoths, mastodons, and other megafauna. The Clovis culture represents a significant milestone in human history, marking the initial peopling of the Americas. However, around 12,800 years ago, the Clovis culture abruptly disappeared, coinciding with a period of rapid climate change known as the Younger Dryas. The reasons for their disappearance remain a subject of debate, with theories ranging from overhunting to disease to extraterrestrial impact.
Mound Builders of Mississippi
Long before European contact, the Mississippi River Valley was home to a succession of cultures known collectively as the Mound Builders. These ancient peoples constructed massive earthen mounds, which served as platforms for temples, residences, and burial sites. The earliest major phase of mound construction in the Mississippi Valley began around 2,100 years ago, with the Adena and Hopewell cultures. Later, the Mississippian culture emerged, building even larger and more complex mound centers, such as Cahokia. The Mound Builders were skilled farmers, craftsmen, and traders, and their societies were highly organized, with a complex social hierarchy and religious beliefs. The reasons for their decline and eventual abandonment of the mound centers are complex and likely involve a combination of factors, including environmental degradation, social unrest, and disease.
Popham Colony of Maine
In 1607, just a few months after the establishment of Jamestown in Virginia, English colonists attempted to establish a settlement at Popham, Maine. This short-lived colony, also known as the Sagadahoc Colony, was intended to serve as a base for fishing, fur trading, and shipbuilding. However, the colony was plagued by internal conflicts, harsh weather, and strained relations with the local Native Americans. After only a year, the colonists abandoned Popham, returning to England. The location of the Popham Colony was lost for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1994. Today, the site is part of Popham Beach State Park, where visitors can explore the remnants of this early English settlement.
Roanoke Island Colony
Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina, is the site of one of the most enduring mysteries in American history: the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony. In 1587, a group of English colonists, led by John White, established a settlement on Roanoke Island. However, White was soon forced to return to England for supplies. When he finally returned to Roanoke three years later, he found the colony deserted. The houses had been dismantled, and the only clue to the colonists’ fate was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post. The fate of the Roanoke colonists remains a mystery, with theories ranging from assimilation into local Native American tribes to starvation to attacks by Spanish soldiers.
The Vanished Anasazi
In the arid landscapes of the American Southwest, the Anasazi, or Ancient Puebloans, established numerous large settlements starting around 700 BC. These skilled architects and farmers built impressive cliff dwellings, such as those found at Mesa Verde, as well as large pueblos, or villages, in the valleys below. The Anasazi thrived for centuries, developing a complex social and religious system. However, by the time European explorers arrived in the Southwest, the Anasazi had abandoned their settlements, leaving behind only ruins as silent testaments to their presence. The reasons for their disappearance are complex and likely involve a combination of factors, including drought, resource depletion, and conflict with neighboring tribes.
Vinland
According to Norse sagas, around 1000 A.D., Viking explorers, led by Leif Erikson, discovered a land in North America that they called Vinland. The exact location of Vinland has been a subject of debate for centuries, but archaeological evidence suggests that it was located in Newfoundland, Canada. In the 1960s, archaeologists discovered a Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, confirming the accuracy of the Norse sagas. The L’Anse aux Meadows site provides valuable insights into the Viking presence in North America and their interactions with the indigenous population.
These vanished colonies and civilizations represent only a fraction of the rich and complex history of the American continent. Their stories serve as a reminder of the fragility of human settlements and the enduring power of the past to shape our present. By studying these lost worlds, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.