Cahokia Mounds, and other mounds in the St. Louis area, could soon see a change in their status. There is federal legislation gaining momentum to designate the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site to a National Historic Park. Legislation to make the change has been introduced in both the U.S House and Senate. Currently administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President and CEO Cory Jobe says obtaining National Park status would be significant.

Democrat U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has reintroduced a similar piece of legislation in the U.S. Senate. Republican Congressman Mike Bost is leading the way on the Illinois side, with help from Democrat Cori Bush of St. Louis. Sugarloaf Mound in St. Louis is the city’s only remaining mound.