Grave Creek Mound
In the town of Moundsville, West Virginia, and
near the Ohio River sits the massive Grave Creek Mound. As we were driving down the streets of
Moundsville and looking for it, we got stuck at a red light. I said to Sharon, “we should be able to see
the mound because it is so big”. Right
after saying that, I turned to my right and there it was. You just can’t miss the immense green grassy
hill right in the middle of town. It is
also located across the street from the colossal Moundsville Prison. (That place is featured in my next post.)
The Grave Creek Mound is about 69 feet high, 295
feet in diameter, and is one of the most prevalent cone-shaped burial mounds
found in the United States. It was built
sometime between 250-150 BC and is crafted of more than 60,000 tons of dirt by
the Adena people. Historians believe the
mound was constructed in various stages by the many burials at various levels
inside the mound. In earlier times, the
mound was surrounded by a moat which was about 40 feet wide and five feet
deep. There was only one walkway to get
across the dirt ditch to the mound. In the
early 1800’s when archaeologists were able to get inside the mound, they found
Adena Hopewell remains and ornaments next to a small sandstone tablet.
The Delf Norona Museum was built next to the site
and opened its doors in 1978. Inside,
you will be treated to many displays of artifacts which explain how the ancient
Adena civilization survived and what their way of life was like.
Sharon and I didn't get to the Grave Creek Mound
early enough to walk to the top of the mound.
However, we were able to walk through the museum and enjoy all the
artifacts and other items which were on display. For more information on the history or
visitation times for the mound and museum, check out this website: http://www.wvculture.org/museum/GraveCreekmod.html.
That's one big mound! The mini-mound model gives a good idea of the burials. It's amazing to think about how long the mound has been there. I have a hard time even wrapping my head around 250-150 BC. I guess it will be around for eternity!
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