Tag Archives: Adena Mound

Mound Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio

History enthusiasts visit Mound Cemetery in Marietta for its large number of American Revolutionary War gravesites as well as its ancient Adena Mound.  The cemetery was initially built in 1801 to protect the ancient burial site and is known for having the most American Revolutionary soldiers buried within this place.

A map of the soldiers buried at this location is displayed within the cemetery.

The grave of Rufus Putnam, who was the founder of Marietta, is located here.  He died in 1820 from causes unknown.

Within a complex known as the Marietta Earthworks, many of the mounds were destroyed when the city of Marietta was built in 1788.

The Adena Mound dates between 100 to 500 BC as part of a larger settlement of the Hopewell Indians,  It is thought that the Chieftains of this Indian tribe are buried here.  In 1990, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History conducted excavations at the site and confirmed the Conus mound was that of the Hopewell Indians.  A set of stairs was constructed so that visitors could climb up to the top of the mound and look out into the city of Marietta.  This space was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Have you visited Mound Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Mound Cemetery
5th and Scammel Streets
Marietta, OH  45750

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Mound Cemetery is open from dawn to dusk, year-around.
  • Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and taking the stairs to the top of The Mound.

Where to Stay:

The Hackett Hotel 
203 1/2 2nd Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: +740 374 8278

Where to Eat:

Boathouse BBQ
218 Virginia Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  +740 373 3006

You have to try the Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese!  Amazing!

What to Read: 

A Guide to Historic Marietta Ohio, by Lynne Sturtevant

 

Road Trip to Marietta, Ohio

Nearing Marietta, Ohio, signs are posted to remind travelers to drive with caution as the local Amish travel in horse and buggy.

I made several stops to photograph beautiful old barns.

It was a beautiful February day to drive from Columbus, Ohio to Marietta.  Beautiful white trees against a blue winter sky.

Hereford ccws just a little curious as I drive the rural route.

The beautiful architecture of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption, an amazing example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Magnificent sculptures on the churches in Marietta, Ohio

A small cemetery on the side of the road.

Church Rotunda, downtown Marietta

Downtown Marietta

The Ohio River along Marietta

The historic Lafayette Hotel

Unicorn Winery and Tea Room

The Castle

Views of the Ohio River

Adena Mound

It was an amazing fall day to explore Ohio’s southeastern town of Marietta.

What to Do:

Campus Martius Museum
601 Second Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: 740 373 3750

  • Admission Fee:  Adults – $10; Students K to College (with ID) and Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) – $5; Free admission to children 5 and under (excludes groups) and Friends of the Museums or Ohio History Connection Members.
  • Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM; Sunday from Noon to 5.  Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
  • Amenities:  Free parking available at the rear of the museum and on street.  Campus Martius Museum’s three floors of exhibits are wheelchair accessible, excluding the second floor of the Rufus Putnum House.
  • Guided Tours:  Rufus Putnam House Tour Times: 10AM, 11AM, Noon, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM
  • Length of the Tour:  1.5 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Wear comfortable shoes and take the tours because they are super informative.  Don’t miss the Rufus Putnam House and visit the nearby Ohio River Museum as well for more Ohio History!

Mound Cemetery
514 Cutler Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  740 373 4180

  • Admission Fee:  Free admission
  • Hours:  Dusk to Dawn
  • Length of the Tour:  1.5 to 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear tennis shoes for strolling around the cemetery where headstones date back to the Revolutionary War.  Comfortable shoes will also be needed to take the stairs to the top of the Mound where benches await for a moment of contemplation and rest.  Visit here after the Campus Martius Museum as many of the founders of Marietta are buried here.

The Castle Historic House Museum
418 4th Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  740 373 4180

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  $10; Seniors (Age 60+): $9.50; Students (Age 5 to 18 College ID): $7; Children under the age of 5: Free and Group Rate (10 or more visitors): $9; Active Duty Military (with ID): Free; Family of Active Duty Military (with ID);  Half price; AAA, AARP and AMAC Members:  10% off;  Call in advance for group tours
  • Hours:  Spring and Fall hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday from 10AM to 4PM; Saturday & Sunday from 1 – 4PM.  Summer Hours (June – August) are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10 – 4PM, Sunday 1 – 4PM. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
  • Amenities:  Gift shop, Gift Certificates, Facility Rental and Virtual tours
  • Length of the Tour:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Dress comfortably and photos are not permitted in specified areas of the house.

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption
506 4th Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  740 373 3643

  • Admission Fee:  There are no admission fees but a donation is welcome.
  • Hours:   Sunday Mass at 8AM and 10AM; Tours: 10AM to 6PM daily with no conflict with Masses, weddings or funerals.
  • Amenities:  Gift shop, tours, pre-arranged lunches, free parking available behind the Basilica and is accessible off of Fifth Street, bus tour parking, wheelchair accessible.
  • Guided and Self-GuidedTours:  Tours can be scheduled any time between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM as long as they do not conflict with Masses, weddings, or funerals. Self-guided tours take approximately 45 minutes, but you are welcome to visit as long as you wish.  Copies of the tour brochure are available at the entrances of the Basilica.  Group tours are also available.
  • Length of the Tour:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Call in advance for group tours and self-guided tours  to ensure there are no conflicts.  Bring a donation to off-set the cost for tours.

Ohio River Museum
601 Second Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: 740 373 3750

  • Admission Fee:  Adults – $10; Students K to College (with ID) and Active Duty Military & Veterans (with ID) – $5; Free admission to children 5 and under (excludes groups) and Friends of the Museums or Ohio History Connection Members.
  • Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 9:30AM to 5:00PM; Sunday from Noon to 5.  Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  WP Snyder Jr., the steam-powered, stern wheeled towboat is open for tours daily at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM
  • Amenities:  Free parking available in the museum lot, outdoor exhibits, and facility rental.  Exhibits are wheelchair accessible.
  • Guided Tours:   Group tours can be scheduled in advance. Tours of WP Snyder Jr. are provided by The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.
  • Length of the Tour:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Wear comfortable shoes and take the tours because they are super informative, especially aboard the WP Snyder Jr.

Where to Stay:

Layfayette Hotel
101 Front Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  800 331 9336

Where to Eat:

Harmar Tavern
205 Maple Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone: 740 373 8727

Known for its famous fried bologna sandwich!

The Buckley House Restaurant – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
332 Front Street
Marietta, OH 45750
Telephone: 740 374 4400

The Red Snapper was absolutely amazing!

Where to Drink:

Marietta Wine Cellars
211 Second Street
Marietta, OH  45750
Telephone:  740 373 WINE

Unicorn Wine Guild
1816 Washington Blvd.
Belpre, OH  45714
Telephone:  740 423 1300

What to Read:

  • The Pioneers, by David McCullough

Eagle Sightings at Highbanks, Columbus MetroParks

DSC_1101

Hiking in the Midwest, the scenery can change at every season.  From the diversity of plants to its wildlife, the Highbanks Metro Park unveils something new each time I visit.  What draws me here is the spectacular eagle’s nest viewing area, equipped with binoculars for visitors to enjoy watching the eagles and their young.

My hike began at the Oak Coves Picnic Area where I picked up the Overlook Trail and then finished my trek across the Dripping Rock Trails for a total of 4.1 miles in a double loop.  A small connector trail added about fifteen minutes to my hike.  A couple of side trails led to a protected Native American mound, while another provided an overlook to view the Olentangy State Scenic River.

My first stop was the Pool family cemetery, which is believed to be the resting place of the first white settlers in this area. The first evidence of Indian life at Highbanks are the earthworks that cover 1500 feet. The area, shaped like the letter C, is said to be from the  Cole Indians who built this wall to protect their village from attack.

DSC_1117

I reached the fork in the road and decided to take the path that reached the overlook.  I climbed 110 feet to the deck for the panoramic view of the Olentangy River and the sycamore trees below.

DSC_1120

Off in the distance was an eagle’s nest.  During the late winter and early spring months, the park staff set up a telescope for a closer view of the eagles and the eaglets after they have hatched.

The trail reached back around to the start of the loop where I backtracked over the connector that joined the two trails.  Before reaching the Dripping Rock Trail, I managed to see a side trail to the Adena Mound, so I took the detour to explore a bit of American history.

I exited the mound trail and made a right towards the nature center.  While I didn’t make a stop, I learned that it is a great facility for bird watching.

The Dripping Rock Trail is a pretty straightforward loop with a couple of locations to see dripping rocks.  There is an observation deck three miles into the walk, which is a wonderful location to view wildflowers.  After passing under the overpass, climbing a small hill and crossing a bridge, the trail had come to an end.

This trail is considered moderate due to the hills, but it is manageable with some great observation decks and artifacts.  For more information about Highbanks Metro Park and this trail, visit the Columbus Metro Parks website at www.metroparks.net.  Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do: 

Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH  43035
Telephone:  614 906 3149

  • Admission Fee:   No admission fee
  • Hours:  Daily from 6:30AM to 10PM from April to September and 6:30AM to 8 PM from October to March
  • Amenities:  Eagle sighting; Adena mounds, hiking, biking, shelters and lodges, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, day camps, fishing, nature centers, picnicking and sledding.
  • Scenic View:  Eagle Observation deck provides an amazing opportunity to view the eagle’s nest at the park.
  • Length of Visit:  at least 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Camping is not permitted at the park and no person is permitted to feed the park animals.

Where to Stay:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington
175 Hutchinson Avenue
Columbus, OH  43235
Telephone:  614 885 3334

Where to Eat:

Saigon Asian Bistro
50 Neverland Drive
Lewis Center, OH  43035
Telephone:   740 657 8887

The chicken lettuce wraps (appetizer) was exceptional and had a bit of heat, which suited me fine.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

2013 132

From Adena Mounds to Ant Hills, there is so much to see at Highbanks!

Flowers at Highbanks State Park, April 2012 - close up

Delicate Flowers at Highbanks Metro Park, Columbus

DSC_1096

Taking the bridge over the creek