Mound City Group, Hopewell Culture National Historic Park

When I was growing up this group of mounds was just called Mound City. In 1992, This park and several other mounds nearby became the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park.

The Mound City Group has 23 mounds enclosed in a low rectangular wall. During WWI most of the mounds were leveled when Camp Sherman occupied the area.

The mounds are all shapes and sizes including the big central round mound and a long oval mound. There used to be stairs to the top of the Central Mound but they have been removed and visitors are asked to stay off the mounds. The picture shows the large central mound and part of the long oval mound.

This site was used for a long time first by the Hopewell and then later by the Intrusive Mound Culture. During excavations of the mounds, many different types of grave goods were found: mica, effigy pipes, copper and beads.

Wear comfortable shoes and take the self-guided tour through the mounds and down to the nearby river. Be sure to stop at the museum and visitor center for a video and an introduction to Hopewell culture and to the uses of the mounds. The staff is friendly and will will give you directions to the other sites that are part of the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park.

Additional pictures.
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Additional Information:
Hopewell Culture National Historic Park

Related blog posts:
Hopewell Mound Group
Seip Earthworks