Mathew Mound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mathew Mound
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View from the south
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Atop the hill on the northern side of Oak Rd., Glendale, Ohio |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001424 |
| Added to NRHP | May 29, 1975 |
The Mathew Mound (also called 33-HA-122) is an ancient Native American mound located in Ohio, a state in the United States. You can find it near Oak Road, close to the village of Evendale. Experts believe this mound was built by people from the Adena or Hopewell groups. They lived during a time called the Woodland period, which was many hundreds of years ago.
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What is the Mathew Mound?
The Mathew Mound is a special type of burial mound. It is about 4.5 feet (1.4 m) tall and more than 60 feet (18 m) wide. Imagine a small hill, but one that was carefully built by people long ago. This mound has never been dug up by archaeologists. This means it is still in its original state, offering a rare look into the past.
Who Built the Mound?
The Adena and Hopewell peoples were ancient Native American groups. They lived in the Ohio Valley region. These cultures were known for building large earthworks, including mounds. These mounds served different purposes, like burials or ceremonial sites. The Mathew Mound is thought to be a burial site.
What Might Be Inside?
Since the Mathew Mound has not been excavated, we can only guess what it holds. However, other similar mounds from the Woodland period have been explored. These digs often reveal interesting things. They can show how people buried their dead. They might also contain grave goods, which are items buried with a person. These items could be tools, pottery, or jewelry. They tell us a lot about the beliefs and daily lives of these ancient cultures.
Why is the Mathew Mound Important?
The Mathew Mound is very important for understanding history. It is a valuable archaeological site. Because it has never been disturbed, it could hold many secrets. It might help us learn more about the Adena or Hopewell peoples. Their lives and customs are still a mystery in many ways.
A Local Legend
For many years, people in the area had a story about the mound. They believed it was the burial place of a Native American named "Opekasit." This legend was so popular that a local milk-processing operation was named Opekasit Dairy. This shows how important the mound was to the community.
Protecting History
Because the Mathew Mound is such an important historical site, it is protected. In 1975, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps make sure that important places are preserved for future generations. There is also another small archaeological site nearby, but it did not reveal much when explored.
