Washington Township near Morrow in Warren County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Myth of the Mound Builders
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 6, 2009
1. The Myth of the Mound Builders Marker
Throughout the 19th Century scholars believed there were three great New World civilizations; Inca, Aztec, and Mound Builders. They believed that the American Indians had destroyed the Mound Builders. While early scholars could not accept the idea of Indians constructing the earthworks, they could accept the idea that Indians conquered the Mound Builder race. This unfortunate explanation separated ancient civilization from Indian ancestry and showed that Indians were savages who did not deserve the lands they occupied.
Today, archaeologists call this interpretation the mound builder myth. In reality, the Indians who built these walls are the ancestors of modern Indians. They were a people who constructed earthen mounds as part of the social or religious aspects of their society.
Erected by The Ohio Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Education • Forts and Castles • Landmarks • Native Americans.
Location. 39° 23.985′ N, 84° 5.826′ W. Marker is near Morrow, Ohio, in Warren County. It is in Washington Township. Marker is north of the parking area near the access road loop in the South
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Ancient Dwelling (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Ancient Prehistoric Indian Earthworks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hilltop Enclosure (about 300 feet away); North Overlook (about 300 feet away); Fort Ancient Earthworks (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Great Gateway (approx. 0.2 miles away); Changes at Fort Ancient (approx. 0.2 miles away); Earthworks Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morrow.
Also see . . .
1. Fort Ancient Earthworks. Ohio History Central website entry (Submitted on January 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Fort Ancient State Memorial. Ohio State Parks website entry (Submitted on July 24, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 6, 2009
2. The Myth of the Mound Builders Marker
Looking NW toward the South Fort's North Overlook in center distance.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 6, 2009
3. Example: Aztec Temple Mound
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 6, 2009
4. Example: Serpent Mound
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 6, 2009
5. Example: The Great Gateway
Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,140 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 25, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
