As time marches on, civilizations advance, decline and are replaced by new ones. Centuries pass. Remnants of previous peoples may be forgotten, ignored or looked upon with a mixture of curiosity and respect. The latter approach seems to be the case with burial mounds left behind by the Hopewell Indians. Their complex civilization thrived about the time of Christ - 2,000 years ago - and they lived in seven present-day Midwestern states, including Illinois. In the Sauk Valley, they had communities near present-day Sterling and Albany. In fact, 22 examples of these mound builders' handiwork can be found in Sterling's Sinnissippi Park along the Rock River. Much to its credit, the Sterling Park District recently completed an upgrade of the site. A brick path was built around the Indian mounds so people can walk to them more easily. The nearby parking lot was paved, with curb and gutter installed. Just as important was the placement of new informational signs that more accurately depict the people who built the mounds. Because of research done by Linnea and Wolf Koch and brought to the park district's attention, the updated signs remove historical errors on previous signage. The story told to visitors is one of a trading civilization with far-reaching contacts. The Hopewells mined pipestone, which they used to fashion pipes for smoking tobacco. Their culture is further explained on the new signs, as are those long-lasting mounds. Remember, the Hopewells had no horses or beasts of burden. The mounds had to be built by human labor. What was found in 19th-century excavations of the mounds is described - bone fragments, an altar and stone scrapers. Except for those diggings, the mounds have been left alone by modern man. In the hectic pace of modern life, it's worth stepping back from time to time and contemplating our place in the tide of history. The burial site of an ancient people offers a fitting place to put our own lives in context. Because of the dedicated research by the Kochs and the park district's responsible stewardship, 21st-century people can more fully appreciate a civilization that existed 20 centuries ago. We thank them for their efforts.
