Can you believe there have been thousands ofIndianerhügel em Ohio? Today there are more than 70 that you can visit.
If you like history, you can try to visit all of them. But if that thought oppresses you, leave it to us. We've done some research and put together a list of hills we've deemed "must do" to get you started. Now let's get started!
Who built the hills in Ohio?
Native Americans called this place home long before American pioneers arrived in what was then the Northwest Territory in the late 18th century. What we know today as Ohio was home to several Native groups, including the Erie, Kickapoo and Shawnee. Other groups that inhabited this area are the Cherokee, Mohican, Miami, Wyandot and Seneca. Prior to these groups, the Hopewell people inhabited much of what is now Ohio. Around 2,000 years ago, the Hopewell people erected ceremonial mounds in many places.
What is the purpose of the Indian Mounds?
Mounds have been built in many versions and for many reasons. The most common are tombs and mounds of images that resemble the shape of an animal.
Has anything been discovered in the hills?
Some of Ohio's hills are known as cemeteries. There are also ceremonial mounds, while the purpose of other mounds remains a mystery. Ceramic shards, food, jewelry, stones, flints, etc. were discovered in some of the excavated mounds.
What are the most popular hills in Ohio?
The Great Serpent Mound in southern Ohio is perhaps the most famous mound in the state. Other popular places to see mounds are Hopewell Culture National Historical Park and Newark Earthworks.
The Ohio Historical Society has a lot of information about the hills for those who really want to learn about the state's history before it became Ohio.
In 2008, a list of 14 hills in Ohio, known collectively as the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, was submitted to UNESCO for consideration as a World Heritage Site.
How many Indian hills are there in Ohio?
Ohio is said to be home to over 70 Indian Hills open to the public. These mounds were built by the Adena and Hopewell Native American cultures. Some of the historic sites are on private property and not accessible, but some of the hills are visible in parks and on public land.
Use this list of Ohio hills to plan some Ohio road trips this summer!
Deve ver Indian Mounds em Ohio
1.crocodile hill
Bryn Du Drive Granville, Ohio
This is a great example of an image mount constructed to look like an alligator. This hill near Granville is not far from Columbus and is now in a housing development. It's not as visible as other hills in Ohio, but you can still see the shape of the 250-foot long animal. It is not known who built this mound or why it was built, but experts now believe it may represent a skunk or puma rather than an alligator. The hill is best seen by climbing a small hill nearby.
2.Buffington Island Hills
56890 Ohio River Scenic Byway Portland, Ohio
Located on an island in the Ohio River, the Buffington Island State Memorial is an important site for many reasons. Of course, there is a Native American mound here that is 25 feet tall and 125 feet in diameter. The State Memorial also commemorates the site of Ohio's only major Civil War battle.
The park is open daily from morning to night.
3.Kreuzbergpark
11615 16th Street SE Stoutsville, Ohio
As with many hills in Ohio, this hill's exact origins and dates are unknown. This mound is unique in that it is shaped like a cross, with arms 45 feet long and three feet high. It appears to be oriented north, south, east and west, and may have been part of a Hopewell trail connecting other Indian hills in Ohio. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Please note: although it is not strenuous, it is necessary to walk a little way to reach the hill. Park in the Cross Mound Park car park, cross the WPA footbridge (worth entering the park alone: and follow the path uphill).
4.Hill Enon Adena
Hill Circle Drive Enon, Ohio
Attributed to the Adena people, this hill near Dayton is the second largest conical hill in Ohio. It is 28 feet tall and 110 feet in diameter. Also known as Knob Prairie Mound, not much is known about this mound, but it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hill belongs to the city of Enon and is in the center where everyone can see it.
5.old fortress
6123 State Road 350 Oregon, Ohio
This historic park in southwest Ohio sits on the Little Miami River near Lebanon. This important historic site is not only Ohio's first state park, but also part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which was named one of Ohio's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Spread across 100 acres, the Fort Ancient State Memorial is the largest prehistoric hilltop site in the United States. Later settlers assumed it was some kind of fort, hence the name Old Fort. The site includes four mounds arranged in a plaza, a museum, a gift shop and hiking trails.
6.Fort Hill Conservation and Earthworks Area
13614 Fort Hill Rd. Hillsboro, Ohio
This nature preserve near Cincinnati is home to former earthworks covering just over 35 acres. There are two walled enclosures on the property, both estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The location is very similar to Fort Ancient which is only 50 miles away.
In addition to earthworks, the reserve also offers fantastic hiking trails with diverse species of trees, plants and birds. The public park is open daily during the day, but inquire about fall deer hunting dates.
7.Gnadenhütten native cemetery
S. Cherry St. Gnadenhütten, Ohio
In 1782, a tragic massacre took place that killed hundreds of Native American Christians. To see the mound today, visit the Gnadenhütten-Clay Union Cemetery, one of the oldestCemeteries in Ohio. This tomb contains the remains of around 500 people, with a mound measuring 3' by 10'.
Today you can visit the historic village of Schönbrunn, which includes the hill and restored village buildings. There is also a small museum where you can learn more about the Gnadenhütten massacre.
8.Colina Hartman
the plains, ohio
On the outskirts of Athens, The Plains is home to Hartman Mound. At 40 feet high and 130 feet wide, this is the largest and best-preserved example of mounds in the Wolfe Plains. At least 30 mounds and earthworks were discovered on this unique mesa overlooking the Hocking River. The mound has never been excavated but is believed to be a tomb, like many similar mounds in the region.
The site is on private property but is well signposted so you can stop and look at it from a respectful distance.
9.Highbanks Metropolitanpark
9466 US-23, Downtown Lewis, Ohio
This popular city park on the outskirts of Columbus is a popular place for walking. However, it is also home to two important Indian mounds. Known as Mound I and Mound II, these mounds are also attributed to the Adena culture. Mounds of this type are often considered to be tombs. An earthwork from another culture and era was also found at this point.
In addition to the hills, the park has a beautiful bluff overlooking the Olentangy State Scenic River, with many hiking trails through the surrounding forest.
10Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
State Road 104 Chillicothe, Ohio
Part of the National Park Service, this Ohio Indian Mound site includes six individual mounds and earthworks in Ross County. The mounds are believed to have been created between 200 BC. w. and 500 d. C. The six locations are spread across the town of Chillicothe and include Seip Earthworks, Hopewell Mound Group, Mound City Group, Hopeton Earthworks and High Bank Works.
This last place is not open to the public, but the others can all be visited in one day. Several locations have hiking trails and ranger programs, including a junior ranger program at the Mound City Group Visitor Center. The National Historic Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
The Story Mound State Memorial is another preserved mound in Chillicothe, just five minutes from the National Historical Park.
11Reserva Indian Mound e Parque Peterson
2750 US Route 42 E. Cedarville, Ohio
There are lots of fun things to see and do at this East Dayton park, including Williamson Mound and Pollock Works. These historic native structures have been preserved and protected within the park. The mound is nearly 30 feet high and covered with vegetation; It is believed to have been built for defensive purposes and offers a high strategic vantage point. Pollock Works consists of 25-foot limestone walls.
Don't miss Cedar Cliff Falls when visiting this Ohio park.
12Miamisburg Hügelpark
Rua Hill, 900. Miamisburg, Ohio
At 20 meters high, this is one of the tallest conical hills in North America. This hill on the southwest outskirts of Dayton is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Attributed to the Adena culture and believed to be a tomb.
Today the hill forms part of a city park and you can climb to the top of the hill for spectacular views, especially at sunrise or sunset.
13. Hügelfriedhof
5. St. und Scammel St. Marietta, Ohio
This town cemetery was established in 1801 around the existing Hopewell culture cemetery. The Great Mound is attributed to the Hopewell culture and is believed to date back to 100 BC. C. to 500 d. C. late 18th centurymarietteIt was established as part of the Northwest Territory and the cemetery was built around the mound to protect it.
This cemetery also has the largest number of Revolutionary War officers in the country. You will find one toogeocachedthe two here
14Newark Earthworks
455 Hebron Rd.Brise, Ohio
This Ohio site is home to the largest surviving Hopewell earthworks complex in North America. There are three hill sections at this location including the Great Circle Earthworks, the Octagon Earthworks and the Wright Earthworks. It has been speculated that the Octagon Earthworks was used as a lunar observatory.
Earthmoving sites are open daily during the day, and tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a museum on site, however it is closed until further notice.
15.Serpent Hill Historic Site
3850 OH-73 Peebles, Ohio
The Serpent Mound in Adams County is the largest picture mound in the world. The serpentine hill is over 1,300 feet long and three feet high. The mound is believed to have been built around 800 BC. by the Adena people. C. to 100 d. C., after some tombs found nearby. However, as no artifacts were left behind in Serpent Mound Ohio, it is difficult to know who built the mound and why. Even more interesting is the fact that this mound sits on the rim of a prehistoric meteorite crater.
Today, visitors can stroll the mound and learn more about the practice of effigy mounding. The site is closed on Mondays, but is open until 5 pm every other day and is free for Ohio History Connection members.
sixteen.Shrum Hill
Avenida McKinley, 3141 Colombo, Ohio
This grave was included in Campbell Memorial Park in Columbus. It is attributed to the Adena culture and is estimated to be around 2,000 years old. Information boards help tell the story of the Ohio Hills, and you can climb the hill for beautiful views of the river and surrounding area.
The hill is open during the day all year round.
17Zaleski-Hügel
Near the intersection of Broadway Street and Webb Hollow Road Zaleski, Ohio
Ranger Station Mound, located within the boundaries of the Zaleski National Forest, is the largest of a series of three remaining mounds in Zaleski. The group of mounds is believed to have been inhabited by the Adena culture between 800 BC. w. and 200 d. C. The group originally consisted of six mounds, but three were destroyed before being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Two other smaller mounds remain with Zaleski. Markham Mound is on private property, but the Methodist Church Mound can be seen behind Zaleski United Methodist Church.
Have you ever visited any of the hills listed here? Or have you seen other hills in Ohio that should be added to the list?
FAQs
What are the largest Indian mounds in Ohio? ›
Miamisburg Mound is one of the two largest conical mounds in eastern North America. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mound is 65 feet tall and 800 feet in circumference and contains 54,000 cubic yards of earth.
What is the most famous mound in Ohio? ›Serpent Mound is an internationally known National Historic Landmark built by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio. It is an effigy mound (a mound in the shape of an animal) representing a snake with a curled tail. Nearby are three burial mounds—two created by the Adena culture (800 B.C.–A.D.
How many Indian burial mounds are in Ohio? ›The State of Ohio has more than 70 Indian mounds, burial sites of the Adena and Hopewell tribes--the "mound builders"--who inhabited central and southern Ohio from roughly 3,000 BCE until the 16th century. Many of these sites are open to the public, including the dramatic and fascinating Serpent Mound.
Can you visit the great Serpent Mound in Ohio? ›Serpent Mound costs $8/vehicle to visit. Open daily year-round from dawn to dusk. Museum hours vary from March thru December (Closed January and February).
What is the most famous mound? ›Cahokia Mounds is the best-known mound site in the United States and among the most impressive. Cahokia is named for the tribe that lived near the site in the 19th century CE, the original name is unknown, but between c. 600-c.
What state has the most Indian mounds? ›Prior to European colonization, there may have been more than 15,000 mounds in the state; perhaps 4,000 of these remain today. Wisconsin is the center of effigy mound culture. Courtesy National Park Service. The earliest mounds, dating to approximately 2,500 years ago, were round or “conical” in shape.
What Indians built mounds in Ohio? ›From c. 500 B.C. to c. 1650 A.D., the Adena, Hopewell, and Fort Ancient Native American cultures built mounds and enclosures in the Ohio River Valley for burial, religious, and, occasionally, defensive purposes.
What Indians lived in Ohio? ›From these missionaries, historians know that six major groups settled in Ohio and its neighboring states: the Shawnee (in southern Ohio), Seneca-Cayuga (in central and northwest Ohio), Lenape (in eastern Ohio), Wyandot (in northern Ohio), Ottawa (in northwest Ohio), and Myaamia (in western Ohio).
What is the largest Indian mound in America? ›The largest mound at the Cahokia site, the largest man-made earthen mound in the North American continent, is Monks Mound (Mound 38). It received its name from the group of Trappist Monks who lived on one of the nearby mounds.
What is the second largest Indian mound? ›Emerald Mound at milepost 10.5, near Natchez, Mississippi, is the second largest American Indian mound site in the United States.
What is the largest Indian mound? ›
The largest mound at the Cahokia site, the largest man-made earthen mound in the North American continent, is Monks Mound (Mound 38). It received its name from the group of Trappist Monks who lived on one of the nearby mounds.
What is the second largest Indian mound in North America? ›Located about 10 miles northeast of Natchez, Mississippi, Emerald Mound is the second-largest Mississippian Period ceremonial mound in the United States, surpassed only by Monk's Mound near Cahokia, Illinois.