Archaeology Tour of Serpent Mound

✘ Peebles, Ohio • July 26, 2024

⌖ Walking a prehistoric earthwork to decode ceremony, sky alignments, and centuries of interpretation

① Serpent Mound State Memorial

Unraveling Ancient Mysteries

On a bright, sunny afternoon in August, we embarked on a captivating 1.5-hour archaeological tour of the Serpent Mound State Memorial Park, guided by the knowledgeable site manager Bill Kennedy. Along with 22 fellow enthusiasts, we eagerly set off from the park shelter and gift shop, ready to unravel the ancient mysteries of one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the country.

Historical Overview of Ohio’s Ancient Inhabitants

Bill began by setting the stage with a vivid historical overview of Ohio’s ancient inhabitants, dating back 11,000 years. He explained how the region had transformed from the Ice Age into a land populated by hunter-gatherer societies, marked by their nomadic lifestyles and small communities. This introduction laid the groundwork for understanding the subsequent developments at Serpent Mound, a National Historic Landmark famed for its effigy mound shaped like a serpent with a coiled tail.

The Adena Culture and Burial Practices

As we delved into the Early Woodland period, around 1000 BC, Bill illuminated the activities of the Adena culture at Serpent Mound. The Adena people, known for their earthworks and burial mounds, had left behind significant markers near the shelter. These mounds, serving as cemeteries for leaders, raised intriguing questions about the burial practices for the broader population.

Debunking Myths: The Ceremonial Nature of the Mounds

Continuing along the paved trail, which formed a 1-mile loop around the mound, Bill debunked the myth of the “mound builders.” He clarified that these structures were ceremonial rather than defensive, contrasting them with European hill forts. He also highlighted the rich archaeological tapestry of the region, pointing out the significant earthworks in Marietta, Ohio’s first town.

Frederic Ward Putnam’s 19th-Century Excavations

Bill then recounted the late 19th-century excavations by Harvard University archaeologist Frederic Ward Putnam. Despite Putnam’s extensive efforts, no artifacts were found within the Serpent that could definitively link it to a particular culture. This absence of conclusive evidence has spurred various theories about the mound’s origins, which remain subjects of debate.

Mapping and Preservation Efforts

We learned about the first map of Serpent Mound, created in 1846, and the subsequent erosion of the site. Intriguingly, Serpent Mound was the first privately purchased archaeological reserve in the country. Frederic Ward Putnam played a pivotal role in its preservation, restoring it to its perceived original state based on his interpretation.

The Observation Tower

Bill informed us about the observation tower, built around 1908, which had provided an aerial view of the serpent. Though closed for several years due to instability, plans were underway for an overhaul to ensure future visitors could safely enjoy the perspective it offered.

Modern Archaeological Techniques: Magnetometry

As we progressed, Bill introduced us to magnetometry, a technique used by archaeologists to detect original features in the soil. This technology had revealed an additional coil that was initially part of the mound. We also explored the significance of serpents in Mississippian cosmology, adding another layer of cultural context to our understanding of the site.

Astronomical Alignments and Geological Significance

As we approached the head of the Serpent Mound, Bill highlighted it’s alignment with the summer solstice, showcasing the advanced astronomical understanding of the mound’s creators. The mound’s strategic placement on the edge of an ancient impact crater, estimated to have formed around 320 million years ago, adds a significant geological aspect to its importance. This unique location might have been chosen to enhance the site’s ritualistic power by combining celestial and terrestrial elements.

Interpreting the Head of the Serpent

The head of the Serpent Mound has sparked considerable debate and interpretation. The oval shape at the head has inspired various theories. Some suggest it represents an egg, symbolizing fertility and rebirth, while others propose it symbolizes the sun, indicating that the creators might have been honoring solar deities or marking solar events like solstices and equinoxes. Ultimately, there is no shortage of theories available for exploration.

Connecting Past and Present

​Our journey concluded at the tail section of Serpent Mound. The walk from head to tail not only provided a physical connection to this ancient earthwork but also deepened our appreciation of the cultural and historical layers embedded in the landscape. Bill’s expert insights and the engaging discussions among our group made the tour an enriching experience, leaving us with a profound sense of awe and respect for the ingenuity and legacy of Ohio’s ancient peoples.

☑ Who Is This Tour Best For?

• Cultural-heritage travelers: Ceremony, sky-watching, and Indigenous perspectives in one site.
• Archaeology fans: Noninvasive methods (maps, magnetometry) and preservation history.
• Nature walkers: Easy, scenic one-mile loop with overlooks and shaded stretches.
• Families & educators: Clear interpretive stories and layered timelines.

⊞ Tour Summary

• Tour Name: Archaeology Tour of Serpent Mound
• Offered By: Serpent Mound State Memorial (on-site guided program)
• Total Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
• Main Stops: Shelter Intro → Adena Mounds → Loop Interpretive Points → Putnam Section → Tower Area → Magnetometry Overlooks → Head (Solstice) → Tail
• Drive-By Highlights: Brush Creek valley vistas and rolling Appalachian foothills

▣ Activity Summary

• Walking Distance: ~1 mile (paved loop)
• Terrain: Paved path with gentle grades; open sun and shade mix
• Accessibility: Easy; benches and overlooks available
• Meals Included: None (bring water; gift shop available seasonally)

Excursion Disclaimer: Descriptions of tours and experiences on OceansAfoot reflect individual travel experiences and are not official representations of the venues or organizations mentioned. All information is based on personal participation, publicly available facts, or traveler observation.

© OceansAfoot