Rivers

Arkansaw River

The Arkansaw River is a major waterway originating in the Rocky Mountains of and flowing southeast before joining the Mississippi River. Spanning about 1,469 miles, it is one of the longest rivers in the United States and drains an area of over 168,000 square miles. Historically, it has been crucial for navigation, agriculture, and trade.

Minishoshi Rivers

The Minishoshi River plays a critical role in the layout and culture of Cahokia. It flows alongside the Mizizibi River, shaping the city’s geography and providing natural boundaries. The northern section of Cahokia, known as the Chizi district, is situated on a tongue of land between the Mizizibi and Minishoshi Rivers. This positioning has made the Chizi district a natural hub for riverboat building, trade, and a thriving port that facilitates movement of goods and people. The meeting of the two rivers provides Cahokia with not only commercial advantages but also scenic landscapes that add to the city’s allure.

Mizizibi River

The Mizizibi River flows through Cahokia, a city-state that stretches along the riverbank on more than 500 square miles.

The Mizizibi River is not only a critical geographic feature for Cahokia but also a cultural and economic lifeline, supporting both local agriculture and the bustling floating food market at Gichi-Michim Bay.

In the broader region, the Mizizibi connects various city-states and the Free Lands, allowing for the movement of goods, ideas, and people, and maintaining Cahokia’s role as a major trade center.