Tremper Mound

This unique mound is located on a high terrace along the extreme western edge of the lower Scioto Valley, on what was once the estate of Senator William D. Tremper of Portsmouth. It originally was enclosed by a nearly square embankment measuring 420’ x 440’, with a single opening to the southeast. The mound was long thought to be an effigy mound, possibly an elephant or tapir, but William C. Mills’s 1915 excavation revealed that the irregular shape was due to the structure of the underlaying charnel house. Over 600 postmolds outlined a multi chambered oval building 200’ x 100’ with several “wings” added to it. The maximum height of the mound was only 8.5’, with its lowest parts at the eastern end and the projecting points being only about 1’ high.

Many similarities exit between Tremper Mound and the mound of the pipes in mound city group.

This mound was completely restored after excavation, but the site is underdeveloped and is privately owned. This mound is located on a low hill to the west, and slightly above the level of, Ohio routes73 and 104, but it is in an open field, it is marked by a sign and it can be seen from the road immediately south of where Ohio Routes 73 and 104 converge.

Directions: Combined Ohio routes 73 and 104 pass the mound, separating 0.1 mile N of the site. This is a two lane highway. Caution should be exercised when viewing the mound, as traffic can be heavy at times. No parking is available.

Public use: this is private property.
Do Not Enter without permission of the land owner.

Map below:



Back to mounds page

Page created and owned by: Painted Turtle