Theodore B. Schaer Mound facts for kids

The Theodore B. Schaer Mound is a special place in Ohio. It is a large mound built long ago by Native American people. You can find it in Fairfield County, southeast of Canal Winchester.

This mound is quite big! It stands about 13 feet (4.0 m) (almost 4 meters) tall. It is also about 60 feet (18 m) (over 18 meters) wide. Today, the mound is covered with trees and bushes. It looks like a small hill in the woods.

History of the Mound

The Theodore B. Schaer Mound has not changed much over time. People looking for old Native American items have caused some small damage. Also, animals like groundhogs have dug tiny holes. But mostly, the mound looks as it did hundreds of years ago.

Who Built the Mound?

Scientists believe this mound was built during the Woodland period. This was a time in history when Native American groups lived in Ohio. However, it is hard to know exactly which group built the Schaer Mound.

Two main groups built mounds in central Ohio: the Hopewell and the Adena cultures. Both groups built mounds to bury their dead. But they often built them in different ways.

• The Hopewell people liked to build their mounds in river valleys. Their mounds were often shaped like cones with flat tops.
• The Adena people usually built their mounds on high ground. These mounds were typically shaped like perfect cones.

The Schaer Mound has features of both Hopewell and Adena mounds. This makes it tricky for experts to say for sure who built it.

Why the Mound is Important

Even though we do not know its builders, the Schaer Mound is a very important archaeological site. An archaeological site is a place where scientists study human history.

No one has ever dug into the Schaer Mound. This means its original contents are probably still inside. Mounds that mix Adena and Hopewell styles often hold the most interesting information. They can teach us a lot about these ancient cultures.

Protecting the Mound

Because of its historical value, the Theodore B. Schaer Mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This list helps protect important historical places in the United States.

The Schaer Mound is one of five mound sites in Fairfield County on this list. The others are:

• The Old Maid's Orchard Mound near Lithopolis
• The Tarlton Cross Mound near Tarlton
• The Coon Hunters Mound near Carroll
• The Fortner Mounds near Pickerington