Welcome to RiverWeb's American Bottom Landing Site. This web site allows you to explore information about the environment, history, and cultures of this important part of the Mississippi River valley.

This pilot site examines Native and European-American culture and history in the American Bottom, a large and historically important floodplain located just south of the confluence of the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers near modern-day St. Louis, Missouri. Specifically the site examines the archaeological record of the Mississippian culture of A.D. 800-1400, one of the most complex Native American cultures north of Mexico. Discover how Native Americans lived and built temple-mounds and palisaded towns long before European arrival. Peer into their homes, farms, and temples to understand their life on the floodplain. Examine their art, its mythical and natural beings, and what it can tell us about their religion and world view.

You may also examine the more recent history (A.D. 1700-1900) of America's economic and cultural development. Follow the story of European discovery and early settlement, the twists and turns of economic development spurred by immigration, industrial revolution, and rapid urban growth. Learn about grand steamboats that once ruled the river and follow the transition to rail transportation and the opening of the West. Explore how, over the centuries, the rich interplay of diverse peoples and the river shaped the environment, spurring growth and change in economy, society, technology, and art.

Finally, joing us as we trace the contemporary history (A.D. 1900-present) of a pivotal city in the American Bottom, East St. Louis. This story is told through a series of digitized works, reborn in digital form, and a excerpts from an article currently being written about the city.

The Web site is designed for use by high school students and undergraduates, but the themes of environment, economy, society, technology, and art are also appropriate to teenagers and adults interested in history and archaeology. The user may explore the narratives, challenge their knowledge with activities, and conduct their own research using the archives, and suggested readings in the how-do-you-know sections.

Whether you're a student, teacher, "river rat," or casual visitor, there's much to see and learn here in the American Bottom. So tie up and step ashore!

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