Near Sinking Spring in Adams County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Who Built Serpent Mound?
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
1. Who Built Serpent Mound? Marker
The ancestors of the American Indians of the Eastern Woodlands built Serpent Mound, but archaeologists disagree about when they built it. Some argue that the Adena culture built the mound around 2,300 years ago. This is the same culture that built the large, conical burial mound located at the east end of the parking lot.
Others think the Fort Ancient culture built the Serpent at around 900 years ago. The Fort Ancient culture built the small burial mound located near the west end of the parking lot.
Serpent imagery became especially important during the Mississippian period, which is contemporary with the Fort Ancient culture in southern Ohio. This would support the idea that Serpent Mound was built by the Fort Ancient culture.
Future research may reveal the true age of Serpent Mound, but for now we just don't know for sure. What do you think?
This Mississippian stone palette is engraved with two serpent-like creatures with rattlesnake tails (overlayed in white). It was found in a mound in Mississippi.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans.
Location. 39° 1.483′ N, 83° 25.767′ W. Marker is near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Astronomical Alignments At Serpent Mound (here, next to this marker); Serpent Mound Impact Crater (a few steps from this marker); A Missing Coil? (a few steps from this marker); Exploring Serpent Mound (within shouting distance of this marker); The Serpent Mound (within shouting distance of this marker); The Shawnee And The King Of The Serpents (within shouting distance of this marker); The Village Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Serpent In American Indian Traditions (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sinking Spring.
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
2. Who Built Serpent Mound? Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on January 22, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
