Native American Agricultural Societies

Prior to European colonization, the Native American cultures of North America exhibited a rich diversity in their social, political, and economic structures. These cultures were shaped profoundly by their geographical environments, which influenced their livelihoods, governance, and belief systems. For instance, the Plains tribes, such as the Lakota and Cheyenne, relied heavily on the bison for sustenance, whereas the tribes of the Pacific Northwest, such as the Tlingit and Kwakiutl, were known for their fishing and timber resources, leading to different social organizations and cultural practices.

This question asks you to consider the relationships between geography and the development of Native American cultures. Which Native American group is best known for creating a sophisticated agricultural society in the Mississippi River Valley, characterized by the construction of large earthen mounds for ceremonial and burial purposes?