Mound Cemetery Mound (Chester, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mound Cemetery Mound
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Comprehensive view from the southwest
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sumner Road, Chester Township |
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| Nearest city | Chester, Ohio, United States |
| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001575 |
| Added to NRHP | May 2, 1974 |
The Mound Cemetery Mound is an ancient earth mound built by Native Americans. You can find it in central Meigs County, Ohio, United States. This special mound is located inside the Mound Cemetery, just north of the town of Chester.
This mound is in great shape because it has never been dug up by archaeologists. The cemetery has also helped protect it over the years. Experts believe the mound was built by the Adena people. They were an early Native American group who lived in this area from about 800 BCE to 100 CE. The mound is probably a burial place for an important Adena leader. It might even contain parts of a wooden building that was used for burials.
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What is the Mound Cemetery Mound?
The Mound Cemetery Mound is a large pile of earth shaped like a hill. It was carefully built by hand by the Adena people. These mounds often served as special places for burials or ceremonies. This particular mound is about 5 acres (2.0 ha) in size. Its location near the Middle Branch of the Shade River was likely important to the Adena people.
Who Were the Adena People?
The Adena culture was a group of Native Americans who lived in what is now Ohio and nearby states. They were part of the Early Woodland period. This means they lived a long time ago, even before the famous Roman Empire! The Adena people were known for building many earth mounds. These mounds were often used for burying their dead. They also created beautiful artifacts like pottery and stone tools.
Why is This Mound Special?
When European settlers first arrived in Meigs County, many Native American mounds still existed. Sadly, many of these mounds were destroyed. Some settlers dug them up hoping to find valuable items. Others were flattened over time by farmers plowing their fields.
The Mound Cemetery Mound is special because it survived. It is still mostly intact today. This allows archaeologists to study it without disturbing it. It helps us learn more about the Adena culture and their way of life.
Other Important Mounds Nearby
Another important Adena mound in Meigs County is the Reeves Mound. It is located north of a community called Alfred. Both the Mound Cemetery Mound and the Reeves Mound are recognized as very important historical sites. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected and valued for their historical importance. Both mounds were added to this special list in 1974.
