Chillicothe History From Adena to Hopewell
The city of Chillicothe, Ohio is nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, along the Scioto River. This area, located approximately 45 miles south of Columbus, offers outstanding opportunities for people interested in Native American history, outdoor adventure, and the historic Adena Mansion and Gardens. This is also the home of the Mighty Children's Museum. Here at Woodland Heights Apartments in Chillicothe, we want to help our residents discover Chillicothes incredible museum offerings, which is why weve put together this handy guide.
Hopewell Culture National Historic Park
The Hopewell Culture National Historic Park encompasses sites in Ross County in the Chillicothe area. The park protects the earthworks and mounds created approximately 2000 years ago by local tribal groups. This includes a broad network of ceremonial grounds of earthen walls and enclosures in different geometric patterns and shapes. The Hopewell people possessed a sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and geometry. Archaeologists and anthropologists believe the Hopewell were descended from the Adena people who lived in the area 3000 years ago. The name "Hopewell" was given by early archaeologists in honor of M. Cloud Hopewell, who claimed part of the land.
Archaeologists have found implements made from local mica, as well as copper from the Great Lakes, marine shells, obsidian, and even sharks' teeth. This area was visited by ancient people from as far away as the Gulf Coast, Chesapeake Bay, and the Western Plains. It was a trading center as well as a sacred ceremonial destination.
Activities at the park include hikes to examine the Mound Group, the Hopeton Earthworks, and the Siep Earthworks. The park also offers the Mysteries of the Ancient Architects film detailing the history of the ancient Native Americans in the Chillicothe area.
The Hopeton Earthworks, located in Chillicothe, feature an irregular square with rounded corners and an overlapping circle. Each shape has about 20 acres. This site has experienced erosion and degradation over the years. LiDAR technology, remote sensors to measure ranges, has provided the topographic details of this former ceremonial area. The area also includes parallel embankment walls that align with the winter solstice sunset.
Archeologists have unearthed approximately 50,000 artifacts from this site. The artifacts included construction tools and cooking implements. The ancient people of the Hopewell culture were skilled pottery makers. The Hopewell Mound City is located in Chillicothe, with 25 mounds in various shapes and sizes enclosed in an area with a low wall. The restored mounds cover about 1000 square feet. Special field trips are offered in this area.The Hopewell Mound Group is located nearby and features 130 acres of mounds used as burial sites by the ancient people.
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chillicothe and neighboring Newark area. It is part of the National Park. This includes the sites dating back more than 2000 years to 200 BC, built by Native Americans to celebrate the sun and lunar cycles, along with other cosmic events.
The Earthworks include several sites with circles, octagons, squares, and lines constructed in alignment with the movements of the sun and the moon. These enclosures were used for special ceremonies. Their size indicated that the sites could hold many people. The Great Circle, located in neighboring Newark, is one of the largest enclosures. It measures almost 1200 feet in diameter and covers about 30 acres. The Octagon Earthworks has two geometric enclosures with an octagon that covers 50 acres. This connects to a circle that covers 20 acres.
Adena Mansion and Gardens
The Adena Mansion and Gardens are a National Historic Landmark and National Park. The dramatic stone mansion built in 1807 is located on a hilltop overlooking the town of Chillicothe. The home was designed by Benjamin Latrobe for Thomas Worthington, the senator who lobbied for Ohio statehood. Worthington was also the sixth governor of the state.
Visitors can explore the gardens, grounds, and outbuildings. The Visitor Center offers educational information on the gardens. The gardens were originally an orchard with fruit trees and grape vines. They have undergone major renovations to reflect the 19th-century lifestyle with flowering terraces and trees.
Mighty Children's Museum
The Mighty Children's Museum was created to interest children in the sciences, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. This is a hands-on museum where young people can engage in activities that complement their school curriculum. Local businesses in the community have contributed to the growth and development of this unique museum.
Exhibits include a pretend hospital sponsored by the Adena Medical Center. The exhibit allows children to understand the life of a doctor. They learn about X-ray machines and other modern equipment found in hospitals and clinics. The Mighty Water Table exhibit allows for the exploration of water. Visitors can send boats racing down streams or see a real working water vortex. They can push knobs and buttons to control currents and reroute waterways! Aprons are available to keep the children dry. The museum sponsors events throughout the year.
Woodland Heights Apartment Community
There you have it folks! We hope you’ve found you’ve just discovered your new favorite cultural experience in Chillicothe. If you’re looking for your next home in Chillicothe, visit us at Woodland Heights Apartments. We offer cozy 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom floor plans that balance comfort, style, and spaciousness. Woodland Heights is where home takes root. Schedule your tour today!