STORY MOUND STATE MEMORIAL
STORY MOUND STATE MEMORIALChillicothe, Ohio 45601
(lat:39.3419 lon:-82.9993)
Story Mound, of interest primarily to archaeologists, consists of a large, rounded earthen mound located on slightly less than an acre of ground in Chillicothe. This prehistoric burial mound stands 19.5 feet high, with a basal diameter of 95 feet. Erected by prehistoric Adena Indians (800 BC-AD 100) it was excavated in 1897 by Clarence Loveberry. It yielded the first documented example of a circular Adena timber building, a structural type now known as the norm in Adena ceremonial and domestic architecture.
Please note that the mound is surrounded by a chain-link fence and is not accessible.
Story Mound State Memorial is an ancient Native American burial ground located in the state of Ohio. This historic site holds great cultural and archaeological significance, and its history dates back thousands of years.
The mound is named after its discoverer, Judge Isaac N. Story, who first encountered it in the 19th century. However, its construction predates European contact by many centuries. The mound was built by the Hopewell Culture, a prehistoric Native American civilization known for their impressive earthwork constructions.
The Hopewell people occupied the region from around 200 BCE to 500 CE and were known for their complex social, religious, and economic systems. They constructed numerous mounds and earthworks throughout the Ohio River Valley and beyond.
Story Mound stands about 20 feet tall with a circumference of nearly 180 feet. It is estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The mound was likely built as a burial site for important individuals in Hopewell society and possibly served as a ceremonial center as well.
Excavations conducted in the 1800s and early 1900s revealed a variety of artifacts and human remains within the mound. These findings provided valuable insights into the culture, technology, and rituals of the Hopewell people.
Due to its historical and cultural significance, Story Mound was designated as a State Memorial in 1926. It is managed by the Ohio History Connection, an organization dedicated to preserving the state's historical sites.
Story Mound State Memorial provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Ohio's ancient past. The site offers interpretive signage that educates visitors about the mound's historical importance and the Hopewell Culture. It also serves as a reminder of the vibrant indigenous cultures that once thrived in the Ohio River Valley.
Cottages and Cabins
Rustic beauty in a peaceful, clean atmosphere is the secret to this Family Retreat. The serene splendor of Mother Nature is your reward for visiting Walnut Creek. We offer cabin rentals for those who want the convenience with less effort.
3.2 miles from park*