Native American earthworks fascinate me. How did they do it?
It’s almost like thinking about how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids! Native
American earthworks are found all over Ohio. One of the most intricate and more
famous earthworks is located not far from my home in Hillsboro.
Serpent Mound is located in Adams County in between
Hillsboro and Portsmouth. Although archeological digs have not surfaced many
artifacts to associate which Native American culture constructed the site it is
presumed by nearby burial sites that the Adena Culture and the Fort Ancient
Culture both were in the area of the location of Serpent Mound. There are no
written records left so archeological digs and current dating technology
provides the only evidence as to who created earthwork.
The purpose of Serpent Mound still remains a mystery due to
the lack of records and artifacts. There are theories as to what Serpent Mound
was used for but no definite answer has been reached. One theory suggest the
astronomical use as it correlates to a practical calendar, nearby burial mounds
suggest a religious or sacred place of worship (Serpent Mound itself does not
contain human remains), and some believe it mirrors constellations found in the
sky above. The definite use of the mound may remain a mystery for years to
come.
Serpent Mound went unnoticed by travelers for many years,
only known by the Native Americans and local settlers. In the 1840’s a pair of
surveyors that were documenting Ohio earthworks found their way into Adams
County. Squier and Davis brought attention to the mound and sparked interest in
the structure. A Massachusetts archaeologist Fredrerick Ward Putnam raised
funds to purchase the site in the 1880’s in the name of Harvard University. The
site was later dedicated as a public park. In 1900 the Ohio Historical Society
gained control over the site and built the observation towers, shelter house,
and the museum which are still open today.
Sources for this Blog:
Arc of Appalachia: www.arcofappalaciah.org
Ohio Historical Society: www.ohiohistory.org
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