Great Serpent Mound, Ohio
The Great Serpent Mound, Ohio, an internationally recognized National Historic Landmark, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of prehistoric cultures. Located on a plateau overlooking Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio, this impressive earthwork stretches an astounding 1,348 feet in length and rises approximately three feet above the surrounding landscape. Its form, a striking representation of a serpent with a gracefully coiled tail, makes it the largest serpent effigy in the world. Adding to the site’s historical significance are three burial mounds located nearby, hinting at the complex rituals and beliefs of the people who created this remarkable monument.
The earliest documented encounters with the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio by Euro-Americans date back to 1815. However, it was the meticulous surveys conducted by Ephraim Squire and Edwin Davis that brought the mound to wider attention. Their findings were published in the groundbreaking volume, Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, in 1848, a publication supported by the newly established Smithsonian Museum. This comprehensive documentation marked a pivotal moment in the study and preservation of ancient earthworks in North America.
Attributing the construction of the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio to a specific prehistoric culture has proven to be a complex and ongoing challenge for researchers. Initially, the prevailing theory pointed towards the Adena culture (800 BC to 100 AD), a pre-Columbian Native American society flourishing during the Early Woodland period. The Adena people, likely a collection of related Native American groups, were known for their distinctive burial and ceremonial practices. Their influence extended across a broad geographical area, encompassing parts of present-day Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
However, a carbon dating study conducted in 1996 introduced a new perspective. The results suggested that the mound was constructed around 1070 AD by members of the Fort Ancient culture. This society primarily inhabited the Ohio River valley, encompassing areas of modern-day southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, southeastern Indiana, and western West Virginia. The Fort Ancient people were characterized by their maize-based agricultural practices, sedentary villages, and the construction of ceremonial platform mounds.
More recently, dating techniques have placed the construction of the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio at approximately 300 BC, reigniting the theory of Adena origins. Despite extensive excavations of the massive earthwork, the absence of definitive artifacts directly linked to a particular culture continues to fuel the debate. This lack of conclusive evidence underscores the need for further research to definitively determine the age and cultural affiliation of the Serpent Mound.
Effigy mounds, earthworks sculpted into the shapes of animals and birds, were a distinctive feature of prehistoric landscapes in North America. These earthen figures were primarily found in regions corresponding to parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio. These profile images, rarely exceeding six feet in height, depicted a variety of creatures, including felines, bears, and deer. During the 19th century, the expansion of farming settlements posed a significant threat to these ancient monuments, as many were lost to the plow. Fortunately, the extraordinary size and recognizable form of the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio and other similar structures helped to protect them from such a fate.
The precise purpose of the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio remains shrouded in mystery, although its ceremonial nature is widely accepted. Unlike effigy mounds found further to the northwest, which often contained burials, no human remains have been discovered within the Ohio mound. This absence of burial sites suggests that the mound may have served a different function, perhaps related to astronomical observations, seasonal rituals, or other symbolic practices.
The orientation and features of the Serpent Mound have led to speculation about its potential connection to astronomy. The serpent’s head aligns with the summer solstice sunset, while its tail points towards the winter solstice sunrise. This alignment suggests that the mound may have served as a calendar, marking important dates for planting and harvesting. Other theories propose that the curves of the serpent’s body correspond to lunar phases or align with the solstices and equinoxes, further emphasizing the potential astronomical significance of the Great Serpent Mound, Ohio.
Today, the Serpent Mound Memorial, located at 3850 State Route 73, approximately five miles northwest of Locust Grove, welcomes visitors to explore this enigmatic site. A pathway allows visitors to walk around the mound, providing a unique perspective on its scale and form. The site’s museum features exhibits that delve into various interpretations of the effigy’s form, the construction techniques employed by its builders, the geological history of the surrounding area, and the cultural context of the Adena people, who are often credited with the mound’s creation.
The Great Serpent Mound, Ohio continues to captivate researchers and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the rich and complex history of prehistoric cultures in North America. Its enduring presence serves as a reminder of the ingenuity, artistry, and spiritual beliefs of the people who shaped the landscape long before European contact. As research continues, the mysteries surrounding this remarkable earthwork may one day be fully unveiled, providing a deeper understanding of its purpose and significance.