Sun Watch, A Fort Ancient Village.

In 1970, a Fort Ancient Village, called “Sun Watch,”
was found at 2300 W. River Road in Dayton, and
revealed many new facts about these Indians.
Hundred of thousands of bits of ceramics, tools and
bones were found in a circle about 500 feet across.
Evidence was found of a wooden wall around the
village. In 1974 this site was declared a Notional
Historical Site. Tours are given to groups at a
nominal fee.

The village was dated to the late 12th Century by
archeologist J. M. Heilman, who took charge of the
dig. About 250 people lived here; their houses
were made of lath and daub with thatched roofing.

They raised corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers,
hunted deer and elk, and fished in the Great Miami
River. The artifacts found show skill in ceramics
and handicrafts.

The village was lived in for about 15-20 years and
then there was a fire. It could have been started
by accident, or by a warring party. At any rate,
the inhabitants left.

Skeletons showed that only one out of every 4 infants
live to age of 6. By the age of 35 a person was old;
their bones showed arthritis and dental disease.

These people had erected an arrangement of poles in
the center of the plaza. These poles acted
as a type of calendar. Depending on where the shadows
would fall they could tell when to plant,
harvest or have certain religious ceremonies.


This Picture was sent to me by a freind.Thank You (Wa Do)