Sacred Ground

Sacred Ground. . , Nearly 2,000 years ago, this meadow was ringed by precise, geometric earthworks., THIS IS NO ORDINARY grassy meadow. American Indians gathered here long ago to build elaborate earthen enclosures for their ritual ceremonies, feasts, and burials. They came here from their homes in small scattered settlements along the rivers and in the uplands. This ancient culture, now known as Hopewell, flourished across the Ohio Valley region between 2,000 and 1,500 years ago. The earlier Adena culture had built burial mounds and earthen rings, but Hopewell earthworks became increasingly grand in scale, and more complex and precise in their geometry. , The Earthworks Trail: Learn about the Junction Earthworks at five wayside locations throughout the site. The trail connects all of Junction's geometric figures: circles, the quatrefoil, "squircles," and crescents. Also learn about the remote sensing technology that helped save this remarkable site from development. , An artist's conception of a Hopewell burial ritual at Mound City (just north of Chillicothe. In fire-hardened clay basins, and accompanied by elaborate rituals and exotic artifacts, the deceased kin were cremated and prepared for burial. The remains of of these ritual buildings were typically covered with mounds. Mustration b