FSTS 21RA0010 Indian Mounds Park

Twin Cities Metro Area

The Indian Mounds Park Site
Site Number(s):		21RA10
County:		Ramsey, MN
City Township:		St. Paul
Images (thumbnails)		(big) (medium) (small)

On the high bluff above and somewhat to the east of Carver's Cave stood a group of 18 tall mounds. As early as 1862 a public park was proposed for the site, which commands a sweeping view of the Mississippi Valley to the southeast.

Some of the mounds were leveled to make way for streets and to improve the view, but six of the largest were preserved, and there they remain today. They had, however, attracted the curiosity of St. Paul settlers, and until the early 1900s they were repeatedly "explored," looted, and vandalized.

Indian Mounds Park, St. Paul, courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Another group of 19 smaller mounds that stood along the bluff directly above Carver's Cave and somewhat to the north and west of the present park was completely destroyed.

Indian Mounds Park Site (21RA10) showing modern features, 1981 testing and original mound locations.

Archaeologists working in 1981

In 1981 a modern survey and some testing of the site (21RA10) was conducted by Minnesota Historical Society archaeologists in anticipation of park improvements. The location of mounds was mapped and it was determined that a few relatively undisturbed areas remain in the park despite extensive cutting and filling. Occasional traces of early Indian occupancy were found, but dating was impossible.