David Stitt Mound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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David Stitt Mound
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| Nearest city | Chillicothe, Ohio |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001040 |
| Added to NRHP | November 9, 1972 |
The David Stitt Mound is an ancient earth mound built by Native Americans long ago. It is located near Chillicothe in Ross County, Ohio, United States. This mound sits on high ground, quite a distance from the Scioto River. It is shaped like a cone, standing about 19.4 feet (5.9 m) tall and measuring around 130 feet (40 m) across.
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Discovering the David Stitt Mound
The David Stitt Mound is a special place that tells us about the people who lived in Ohio many centuries ago. It helps us understand their history and culture.
What is the David Stitt Mound?
The David Stitt Mound is a large pile of earth shaped like a cone. It was built by hand by early Native American groups. These mounds were often used for important religious ceremonies or as burial sites. They are like giant monuments left behind by ancient civilizations.
Who Built the Mound?
Experts believe the David Stitt Mound was built by the Adena culture. The Adena people lived in this area from about 1000 BC to 200 AD. They were known for building many mounds, often for spiritual reasons or to bury their dead. The shape and location of the David Stitt Mound match other Adena mounds.
Exploring Inside the Mound
At some point after settlers arrived in southern Ohio, someone dug a tunnel into the center of the Stitt Mound. This was a type of archaeological dig. Sadly, any notes or records from this early exploration have been lost over time. It is thought that an archaeologist named Clarence Loveberry might have led this work in the late 1890s. He did many similar digs in Ross County during that period.
Why is it Important?
Even though no artifacts from the Stitt Mound are known to exist today, its design and location are very important. They suggest it was built by the Adena culture. The Adena people often built their mounds around wooden structures called charnel houses, which were used to prepare bodies for burial. This means there might still be bones or signs of these wooden buildings hidden inside the mound.
Because of these possibilities, the David Stitt Mound is considered a very important archaeological site. It could hold valuable clues about the Adena people. To protect this historical treasure, the David Stitt Mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This listing helps make sure the mound is preserved for future generations to study and learn from.
