SunWatch Indian Village facts for kids
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SunWatch Site
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SunWatch Village
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2301 W. River Rd., Dayton, Ohio |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001500 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 1, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | June 21, 1990 |
SunWatch Indian Village / Archaeological Park is a special place. It is a rebuilt village of the Fort Ancient people. These were Native American people who lived long ago. The village is right next to the Great Miami River.
The village covers about 3 acres (1.2 hectares). Its buildings and layout are based on many years of digging by archaeologists. These experts study old things to learn about the past. The Dayton Society of Natural History owns and runs SunWatch. It is like an open-air museum where you can see how people lived.
Because of its important old discoveries, SunWatch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Later, in 1990, it became a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical site in the United States.
Discovering SunWatch Village
People first found old items at this site in the 1960s. These were not professional archaeologists. In 1971, experts started digging. This happened because the city planned to build a sewage plant there.
When they found important old tools and the remains of a village, the city changed its plans. They wanted to protect this special place. The digging continued until 1988. These studies taught us a lot about the people who lived there. We learned about their homes, how their society worked, what they ate, and how they buried their dead.
The village was round and had strong fences around it. About 250 people lived there for around 20 years. They grew crops and hunted animals for food.
Why is it called SunWatch?
Scholars gave the village the name "SunWatch." This is because of discoveries made in the 1980s. They believe that a group of wooden posts in the village center was used to track the sun.
The Fort Ancient people were farmers. They would have used the sun's position to know when to plant and harvest. They likely held special events based on the sun's calendar.
Visiting SunWatch Today
SunWatch Indian Village opened to the public in 1988. You can see rebuilt homes, a village square, and gardens. There is also a center where you can learn more.
You can take guided tours and join educational programs. These programs are often created with Native American groups. Archaeologists still do small studies in the area. Sometimes, school groups and adults can even help with these digs.
More old items from SunWatch are on display at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton. These exhibits help tell the story of the Fort Ancient people. They show more of the amazing things found at the SunWatch site.
See also
