I have classified and organized each County in Ohio with the number of Indian burial mounds of the Adena and Hopewell Indians on the National Registry of Historical Places. There were probably hundreds more that have either been forgotten, destroyed or eroded with time but this list gives the viewer and idea of where they built their burial mounds.
I am hoping to write another book this summer about the location of these mounds with GPS coordinates and a little bio on each one. I happen to live in Franklin County Ohio and have access to 24 Indian Burial Mounds within 40 miles of my home and over 60% within 50 miles.
The Adena and Hopewell Indians were in Ohio from about 100 BC to 500 AD. This is a learning experience for me so I hope to learn more about their culture within the next several months. My son said that he is on board and would like to travel with me on this quest. I believe I counted 116 Burial Mounds in Ohio. Luckily they are concentrated in a small area. We visited Shrum Mound on Friday just to show my son what I wanted to do.
I have some information on local sites in Adams County I would like to discuss with someone knowledgeable about early indians or who can refer me to a data source/person.
First there are 2 other effigy mounds near Serpent mound (Fish and Eagle mounds) forming a triangle on bluffs overlooking Brush Creek which I don’t believe any archeologist has ever excavated.
Second there are ancient burials on my family farm. I don’t know how their existence first became known but my family has lived here since 1805. Around 1930 three of my great uncle’s boys (being about 10 at the time) decided to dig a couple of them up. The indians are buried in a ring around a small hill (natural) overlooking a creek and valley. The curious thing is, they were buried in a setting position with arms folded and knees up. Of course the boys were soundly thrashed,lol, and the bodies re-buried.
Do you have any idea what culture may have buried in such a manner? Or know anyone I might talk to. There is also a cave burial here on the farm which was accidentally discovered after some flooding about 1932 and I assume may be Shawnee. The cave was promptly re-sealed and I only know the approximate location. Any thoughts?
I am 51 and the youngest of the last generation to have this knowledge. I am not ready to go public with the information, but don’t want it to be lost forever either.
Wayne,
I just finished a book entitled, A Photographic Essay and Guide to the Adena Hopewell Sioux and Iroquois Mounds and Earthworks, 1000 B.C.-500A.D. I photographed and give directions to 222 mounds and earthworks in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Michigan. Their are about 100 photograhed in Ohio. This project took 11 years.
The burials in circle occur both in natural hills and within burial mounds. The burials within natural hills probably date to the Late Archaic, prior to 1000 B.C., but are linked with the later Adena Hopewell. I have documented evidence of this type of burial in Darke County, Ohio and several in new York.
I really discourage contacting univerty archeologist, who will do nothing but destroy these ancient treasures and loot the contents. In my book I give definitive proof of the links of the Hopewell with the Sioux, Iroquois and Cherokee tribes. These monuments need to be preserved.
The effigy mounds near the serpent I was not aware of, could you get me access?
One last note, the mounds and earthworks in Ohio are not maintained and can only be seen in the winter. April 15 is the usual cut-off.
Hi there, I have been studying ancient Ohio Valley cultures for years and have some info for you. E-mail me.
Thanks,
Eric
Hi, I live in Franklin Landing subdivision. Are there any resources available about this area? This subdivision is about 4 or 5 years in developement.
Hi,
Happy to see more interest in the mounds around central Ohio, I’ve been working for many years putting together my own mound map and know of many mounds not listed on current maps in the area, or others that are simply ignored or intently left off.
I’m willing to share this knowledge with those who seek a deeper appreciation and understanding of the mounds.
John
I have been studying mounds in Ohio for many years and would certainly be interested in the locations of mounds not listed on any current maps. It is my hope to leave a legacy for future generations and help save these amazing mounds.
Hi,
How do you go about identifying an indian mound? Are they in any particular form, and are they found in groups of say, two or three? I might have found one and need some help identifying if it really is one. I live in central Ohio; obviously there are many mounds in the state, even many undiscovered ones as you said. Are archaeologists the only people who should to excavate them?