America's Best History Spotlight

On this page we're going to Spotlight the lesser known historic sites and attractions that dot the history landscape across the USA and are worth a visit if you're in their area. And while they may be lesser known, some are very unique, and will be that rare find. You'll be, at times, on the ground floor, or maybe even know something others don't. It'll be fun. Visit them.

Newark Moundbuilders, Great Circle State Park, Ohio

In what is now Newark, Ohio, the Hopewell Indians, without anything but hand tools dug deep trenches and mounds surrounding the three thousand acres in giant circles, octagons, and other shapes. They were oriented with the moon, stunning when you think of the timeframe. There are three sections to the complex, although only one is in the main park; the Great Circle (in park), the Octogan (in the Moundbuilders Country Club), and the Wright Earthworks (the remains in town off James Street).

If the Great Circle Museum is open, take the time to go inside and orient yourself. If it's not open, take a look at the bronze outline of the mounds on the tablet in front, then start taking the path, with historical markers, near the museum. They'll help explain what seems the unexplainable. From there, you might just have to trod through the grass to the mounds themselves, some up to eight feet high with a moat (okay, ravine) beside them.

The site is a National Historic Landmark, but it should be part of the Hopewell Culture National Park. The Ohio earthworks, as noted above, are not just located in Newark, they are in Chillicothe and elsewhere, including a fabulous Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio, but really should be grouped together in a larger quilt. Even the national park does not get enough attention as it is constituted now, i.e. just over 32,000 visitors last year.

Photo above: Part of the signage on the walking tour around the park and the preservation of the mounds.

Where Is It

From Columbus, Ohio - About 25 miles from the eastern suburbs. Take Interstate 70 east to Route 79 North. Go about seven miles. On your left is the entrance and parking lot of the Great Circle State Park. Be on the lookout, it's easy to pass. There's a path that will take you up to the Visitor Center/Museum. Prior to reaching the park , there are a number of places to stay and eat along the Route 79 corridor.