Cincinnati-Newtown Earthworks

The area now known as Cincinnati was built on a prehistoric “city” equal to that of Marietta culture. Unfortunately few records were made. One record states that the “city” was made up of 3 large circular embankments, 2 parallel convex bands and mounds of various sizes. One large mound was right where third and Main streets now intersect. Jasper, rock crystal, coal, mica, copper and shells were found in this mound. The “Cincinnati Tablet,” now in the Cincinnati Art Museum, is a small rectangular tablet of stylized birds carved in stone, and was found in one of the mounds. This may also have been used to stamp their clothing or their bodies.

This period belonged to the Adena-Hopewell culture, and later to the Fort Ancients; a conclusion based on excavations done by the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. More excavations were made on the Turpin Farm near Newtown. Grooved axes, gorgets, arrow head, scrapers and tools were found in this area. Both burial mounds and a village complex were here according to the records. One Hopewell Mound is still standing in Newtown cemetery. Newtown is about 8 miles east of downtown Cincinnati on Route 32.

Two unique engraved shell gorgets, which were worn on a cord of some kind around next, can be seen at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. The shells came from the Gulf of Mexico and are 6-7 inches in diameter. Each had an animal figure engraved on it. These shell gorgets were found in 1982, on the site of the excavation for an addition to the Newtown firehouse.

Cincinnati Museum of Natural History

1720 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati

This museum is an important stop on a tour of Ohio Mounds. It is near the entrance to Eden Park. The exhibit of Ohio Indian culture is outstanding. Enjoy the rest of the museum too, especially the fossils, shells, and dinosaur exhibits.

At this point if you are interested enough, go exploring and find others on your own. Just remember, SHOW RESPECT.

At this time there is no picture.

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