Spruce Run Earthworks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Spruce Run Earthworks
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![]() Woods within which the works are located
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Nearest city | Galena, Ohio |
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Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
NRHP reference No. | 73001431 |
Added to NRHP | July 16, 1973 |
The Spruce Run Earthworks is an amazing archaeological site located in the middle of Ohio, a U.S. state. You can find it in Delaware County. Experts believe that the ancient Adena culture built these earthworks a very long time ago.
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What Are Earthworks?
Earthworks are large structures made by shaping the earth. Think of them as giant sculptures or buildings made from soil, rocks, and other natural materials. Ancient people often built them for different reasons. These could include ceremonies, burials, or even as defensive walls. The Spruce Run Earthworks are a great example of these ancient creations.
How Were They Built?
Building earthworks was a huge task. People used simple tools like digging sticks and baskets. They moved tons of earth by hand. It took many people and a lot of time to create these large structures. The Adena people were very skilled at this.
Who Were the Adena Culture?
The Adena culture was a group of Native American people. They lived in parts of Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. This was between about 1000 BC and 200 AD. That's a really long time ago!
Adena Life and Traditions
The Adena people were hunter-gatherers. This means they hunted animals and collected plants for food. They also started to grow some crops. They lived in small villages. The Adena are famous for their large burial mounds and earthworks. These sites show that they had complex beliefs and social structures. They often buried their dead with special objects. These objects included pottery, tools, and jewelry.
The Spruce Run Earthworks Today
Today, the Spruce Run Earthworks are an important historical site. They help us learn about the Adena culture. They show us how these ancient people lived and what was important to them. The site covers about one acre of land. It is protected to preserve its history.
Why Are They Important?
The Spruce Run Earthworks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as a very important part of history. Protecting these sites helps future generations learn about the past. It also helps archaeologists understand ancient civilizations better.