- Ohio History in 2000 Words
- Mound Builders
- Native Ohioans
- The Ohio Company
- Ohio's Wood Forts
- Indian Wars
- War of 1812
- Ohio's Canals
- Ohio's Road
- Scenic Railroads / Museums
- Underground Railroad
- Civil War in Ohio
Highbanks Park Mound I also known as Muma Mound
Most visitors to Highbanks Metro Park in Central Ohio, are unaware of the two single mounds and the earthwork. The mounds are the conical type usually associated with burial sites and the Adena Culture. Mound I is located in a prairie in the northeast section of Highbanks Metro Park. Mound II is located in the south central section.
Both of the Adena Mounds at Highbanks Metro Park in Central Ohio on the east side of the Olentangy River are small Adena Culture Mounds. The Muma Mound (shown above) is about 7' high and 54' in diameter. It is located in a field that was onced farmed.
Above: Survey map created in 1837 by Charles Whittlesey. While surveying coal and iron deposits throughout Ohio he also survey 20 different earthworks that became part of the Davis and Squier's epic book Monuments of the Mississippi Valley.
The Highbanks Earthwork is located along the western edge in the southern section. The trail leading to the Overlook Deck passes through an opening in the wall. This particular earthwork is similar to other walled enclosures that back up to a river. A number of them were found along the Scioto and Miami Rivers and other smaller streams like the Olentangy River. This type of earthwork is distinctly different from the more formal earthen wall enclosures found throughout Ohio that have a very precise geometric shape.
Section of the Highbanks Earthwork
The Highbank Metro Earthwork has a somewhat loose structure with that originally had several openings (see the 1800s survey map of the site above). There is no evidence to suggest that these particular earthworks were used as burial sites. What the purpose for their creation is not known. It is possible they were just used as protective enclosures for a small village.
When surveyed the earthen walls were about 3' high with a 3' deep ditch on the outer edge. There were no burial mounds associated with the earthwork other that the two burial mounds northeast of this location.
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