Moundsville in Marshall County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Grave Creek Mound
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011
1. Grave Creek Mound Marker
This world-famous burial mound was built by the Adena people sometime before the Christian Era. The mound was originally 69 feet high, 295 feet in diameter, and was encircled by a moat. There were many mounds in the area-hence the city's name: Moundsville. In 1838, the Grave Creek Mound was tunneled into and two log tombs with several burials and grave offerings were found.
Erected 1963 by West Virginia Historic Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 39° 55.031′ N, 80° 44.62′ W. Marker is in Moundsville, West Virginia, in Marshall County. It is on Jefferson Avenue south of 8th Street, on the right when traveling south. This historic marker is located at the front entrance to the "Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex," and across the street from the old West Virginia State Penitentiary. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 901 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville WV 26041, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Northern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Grave Creek Mound. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 26, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Grave Creek Mound & Archaeological Complex. City of Moundsville website entry (Submitted on January 31, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011
2. Grave Creek Mound Marker
A more distant view of the historic marker at the front entrance to the "Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex."
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011
3. Grave Creek Mound Marker
View of the historic marker, looking east across Jefferson Street, with the old West Virginia State Penitentiary in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 15, 2011
4. Grave Creek Mound
Close-up view of the south side of the Moundsville (Grave Creek) Mound.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 22, 2022
5. National Historic Landmark plaque for the Adena mound
This plaque hangs on the wall inside the visitor center.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,638 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 26, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 25, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
