The Newark Earthworks in the state of Ohio is one of the largest geometric mound complexes in the Americas. Originally covering about 4 square miles, they were constructed 2,000 years ago by the Hopewell Indians. The earthworks line up with some basic astronomical parameters, and so it's thought their arrangement is not random. The city of Newark, Ohio, was built right in the midst of them, leaving three separate areas that the public can visit today. The largest of these is the Great Circle, 1,200 feet in diameter, with walls 15 feet high, along Hwy 79. Just off West Main Street is Octagon State Memorial, now part of the Moundbuilders Country Club, but open to the public. Finally, the Wright Earthworks is a smaller group of mounds next to a factory, just north of the Great Circle.

Earthworks abound in this area generally; indeed, an antiquarian once hyperbolically described Ohio as "one vast graveyard." At nearby Chillicothe, you will find the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, operated by the National Park Service, which has a very good Visitors Center.

Written by  Gregory Brick.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address