Benham Mound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Benham Mound
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Looking up a hillside toward the mound
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Section 30 of the original Columbia Township, off Montgomery Road |
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| Nearest city | Amberley, Ohio |
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001508 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 1974 |
The Benham Mound is an ancient Native American mound located in Amberley, Ohio. It is a special archaeological site in Hamilton County, Ohio. This mound helps us learn about the people who lived in this area a very long time ago.
Contents
Discovering the Benham Mound
The Benham Mound is a type of tumulus, which is a fancy word for a burial mound or a pile of earth built by ancient people. It was named after a local farmer. In the 1800s, old history books described it as "a fine, large mound."
How Big is It?
The mound is about 8 feet (2.4 m) (2.4 meters) high. It has a circumference (distance around it) of about 200 feet (61 m) (61 meters). Other measurements suggest it might have been slightly smaller. It sits on top of a hill. From this spot, you can look down into a valley. A small creek flows through this valley and eventually joins the Mill Creek.
Where is the Mound Located?
The Benham Mound is found in what was once called Section 30 of Columbia Township. It is near the old Montgomery turnpike, which is now U.S. Route 22. Today, it's close to the end of Grand Vista Avenue. Another important mound, the Norwood Mound, is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) (2.4 kilometers) to the southwest.
What We Found Inside
In the late 1800s, people living nearby started digging into the mound. They also dug around the area. Their digging uncovered many interesting things.
Ancient Tools and Materials
The people found a lot of mica. Mica is a shiny mineral that can be split into thin layers. They also discovered many different kinds of stone tools. These tools included axes, scrapers, and chisels. They also found flint projectile points, which are the tips of spears or arrows.
Who Built the Mound?
Based on what was found and where the mound is located, archaeologists have learned a lot. They believe the Benham Mound was built by people of the Hopewell tradition. The Hopewell people were a group of Native Americans who lived in the Midwest of North America from about 200 BC to AD 500. They were known for building large earthworks and for their beautiful crafts.
Protecting History
Because the Benham Mound is so important for understanding ancient cultures, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This listing helps protect the site. It ensures that this valuable piece of history can be studied and preserved for future generations.
