Brushcreek Township near Sinking Spring in Adams County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Missing Coil?
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
1. A Missing Coil? Marker
Archaeologists from Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc. assisted by volunteers, followed up on the magnetometry survey by excavating a trench across a portion of the lost coll feature. The results suggested that part of the mound had once covered this location.
Dr. Jarrod Burks, from Ohio Valley Archaeology, Inc., conducted a magnetic gradient survey of Serpent Mound in 2012. This kind of survey reveals changes in the magnetic properties of soil that are a result of some kind of ground disturbance in the past. The most exciting result of the survey was the discovery of a large, U-shaped feature near the neck of the Serpent that appears to represent an ancient surface buried by an embankment that was later removed.
If this interpretation is correct, then at some time in the past, the original builders of Serpent Mound, or perhaps a later group, changed the design of Serpent Mound. Why they might have done this is a mystery.
Magnetometry Survey
Overview of magnetometer survey data from 2012 showing the Serpent and traces of what might have been a former portion of the Serpent erased in antiquity.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 2012.
Location. 39° 1.49′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Astronomical Alignments At Serpent Mound (a few steps from this marker); Who Built Serpent Mound? (a few steps from this marker); Serpent Mound Impact Crater (within shouting distance of this marker); The Serpent Mound (within shouting distance of this marker); Exploring Serpent Mound (within shouting distance of this marker); The Serpent In American Indian Traditions (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Shawnee And The King Of The Serpents (about 300 feet away); The Village Site (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sinking Spring.
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 18, 2018
2. A Missing Coil? Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 30 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. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
