PHOTOS BY: Thomas Lonero
A BREIF HISTORY
The largest conical mound in the United States is sixty-nine feet tall and with circular base of about 300 yards
It was built by the so-called Adena people and is estimated to be roughly 2,000 years old. The real name of the people that built mounds across much of the area below the great lakes is unknown. They were so-named after an Ohio Governor named Thomas Worthington discovered a mound in the early 19th century on his Estate he had named “Adena”.
All we have are stories of what was found inside the mound. Rumors of extra large skeletal remains persist to this day. A stone with odd markings was apparently found during early unofficial excavations and although record of it seems to have been recorded at the Smithsonian where it was believed to have wound up, the current whereabouts of the stone is unknown. All we have remaining are drawings. The glyphs or “writing” on the stone have never been deciphered. Proof that Native Americans have a written language, during the time period the Adena culture persisted, has not yet been conclusively proven and is generally not accepted among academics.
A low wall and a directional stone compass built over the last hundred or so years can be found at the top of the mound. A short pathway encircles the mound, which leads to the top. It’s a great view of the surrounding area including the now retired West Virginia State Penitentiary, which offers tours year round and ghost tours near Halloween.
At the base of the Mound sits the Delf Norona Museum and the Grave Creek Archaeological Complex. They offer lectures throughout the year. Additional information can be found HERE.
