Mound Hill Archaeological Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mound Hill Archeological Site
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Roadside view
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | 0.5 miles (0.80 km) west of the Devil's Backbone above Stoner Creek |
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| Nearest city | Winchester, Kentucky |
| Area | 18 acres (7.3 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001308 |
| Added to NRHP | August 25, 1978 |
Mound Hill is a very old and special place in Kentucky. It is also known as the "Nelson Gay Mound." This site is an archaeological site, which means it's a place where scientists study the past. They do this by carefully digging up old objects and structures. Mound Hill is located in the beautiful Bluegrass region of Kentucky, close to the town of Winchester.
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What is Mound Hill?
Mound Hill is part of a group of ancient mounds found along Stoner Creek. These mounds were built by early Native American groups, often called "Mound Builders." Mound Hill is the largest of these mounds in the area. It sits on a hilltop between Stoner Creek and Pretty Run, making it a very noticeable spot.
How Big is the Mound?
In 1884, people measured Mound Hill. They found it was about 240 feet (73 m) around its base. It also stood about 20 feet (6.1 m) tall. That's like a two-story building! Its shape is long, with a dip in the middle. Scientists think this shape might be from erosion over many years. Or, it could be that several smaller mounds were built close together and later joined into one large mound.
Where is Mound Hill Located?
Mound Hill is about half a mile west of other similar mounds. These other mounds are found on a narrow ridge. This ridge is known as the "Devil's Backbone." Even though Mound Hill is a bit separate, it seems to be connected to these other mounds. They all tell a story about the people who lived there long ago.
Who Built Mound Hill?
Scientists believe that people from the Adena culture built Mound Hill. The Adena culture was an ancient Native American group. They lived in parts of what is now the eastern United States. They were known for building large earthen mounds, often for burials or ceremonies. The Adena people lived in this area thousands of years ago.
What Was Found Nearby?
When archaeologists dug at the mounds near Mound Hill, they found many interesting things. They discovered artifacts like pieces of pottery. They also found a pipe, which might have been used for ceremonies. Many stone box graves were also found. These are special graves made from stone slabs. Finding these items helps us learn about the daily lives and beliefs of the Adena people.
Protecting This Special Place
Mound Hill is a very important historical site. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This list helps protect special places in the United States. When a site is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or archaeological value. For preservation, an area of about 18 acres (7.3 ha) around Mound Hill is protected. This helps make sure this ancient site is safe for future generations to study and learn from.
