Highbank Park Works facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Highbank Park Works
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Trees grow atop the works
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Delaware, Ohio |
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| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001466 |
| Added to NRHP | February 15, 1974 |
The Highbank Park Works is an ancient site in Ohio. It has large earth structures, like walls and ditches, made by people long ago. This special place is inside Highbanks Metro Park. It's located in southern Delaware County, right by the Olentangy River.
These earthworks are shaped like a half-circle. They are about 3 feet (1 meter) tall. A shallow ditch runs alongside them. Two deep ravines and a tall shale cliff surround the site. This makes the area naturally protected.
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Who Built the Highbank Park Works?
Archaeologists believe the Highbank Park Works were built between 800 and 1300 CE. This was a long time ago! The people who built them were likely part of the Cole culture.
For a long time, people thought the Cole culture was a separate group. But new studies suggest they might have been part of the larger Hopewell tradition. The Hopewell people were known for building many impressive earthworks in Ohio.
What Are the Earthworks Like?
The Highbank Park Works are a set of walls and ditches made of earth. They form a semi-circle shape. Each section of the wall is about 3 feet high. A small ditch runs along the edge of the walls.
The area around the earthworks is very natural. It has not been used for farming. This means the ancient structures have stayed mostly untouched. This helps archaeologists study them better.
Discovering the Past: Excavations
Not much digging has happened at this site. This helps keep it safe for future study.
In 1951, a small team did some digging and surveying. They found a few pieces of pottery. They also found small flakes of flint. These items were found in a "midden," which is like an ancient trash pile.
Another excavation took place in 2011. This study focused on how the site was used. It also helped create a timeline for when the earthworks were built.
Other Ancient Sites Nearby
Highbank Park is home to more than just these earthworks. There are also two ancient mounds from the Adena culture. The Adena people lived in Ohio even before the Hopewell.
These two mounds are called Highbanks Park Mound I and Highbanks Park Mound II. They are not right next to the earthworks. Instead, they are about half a mile to one mile away.
Why Are These Works Important?
The Highbank Park Works are very important for understanding ancient cultures. In 1974, they were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to history.
Being on this list helps protect the site. It shows how valuable these earthworks are for learning about the past. Other important archaeological sites in Delaware County include the Ufferman Site and the Spruce Run Earthworks.
