Ratcliffe Mound facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ratcliffe Mound
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Northern side
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5 miles northeast of Londonderry on State Route 327 |
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| Nearest city | Londonderry, Ohio |
| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001548 |
| Added to NRHP | August 28, 1975 |
The Ratcliffe Mound (also known as 33-Vi-3) is an ancient Native American mound located in Ohio. It sits in western Vinton County, near the town of Londonderry. This mound is found in open farm fields, close to a stream, and is shaped like a perfect circle or cone. It stands about 14 feet (4.3 m) (4.3 meters) tall and is about 86 feet (26 m) (26 meters) wide.
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Discovering the Ratcliffe Mound
The Ratcliffe Mound is a special place because it was built by ancient Native American people. It is located in a valley, surrounded by fields. Unlike some other mounds, it stands alone in the countryside.
Who Built This Ancient Mound?
Archaeologists, who are like history detectives, are not sure exactly which group of ancient people built the Ratcliffe Mound. In southeastern Ohio, two main groups from the Woodland period—the Adena and Hopewell cultures—built many mounds. For example, the Adena people built six mounds in a nearby village called Zaleski.
However, the Ratcliffe Mound is different. It doesn't have the usual features that help archaeologists figure out who built it. Also, the Adena and Hopewell people usually built mounds in different kinds of places.
Why Is It Hard to Identify the Builders?
One reason it's hard to know who built the Ratcliffe Mound is that no special artifacts (like tools or pottery) have been found near it. These artifacts often give clues about the people who lived there.
Another reason is that no archaeological dig has happened at the Ratcliffe Mound. An excavation is when archaeologists carefully dig into the ground to find and study hidden objects. Without a dig, they haven't found any artifacts from inside the mound itself.
Why the Ratcliffe Mound Is Important
Even though we don't know who built it, the Ratcliffe Mound is still very important. Experts believe it could be a valuable archaeological site if it were studied more. It might hold many secrets about the ancient people who lived in Ohio long ago.
Because of its potential to teach us about the past, the Ratcliffe Mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This list helps protect important historical sites across the United States.
Images for kids
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Northern side
