Edith Ross Mound
Encyclopedia
The Edith Ross Mound is a Native American mound and archaeological site
in the southeastern part of the U.S. state
of Ohio
. Located near the village of Laurelville
in Hocking County
, the mound is a circular structure that measures 40 feet (12.2 m) in diameter at its base and 4.6 feet (1.4 m) high at the center. It is constructed primarily of earth, with large stones placed on various parts of the surface. Few changes have been made to the mound since white settlement of the region; a small depression in the northwestern corner may be the result of someone digging, but no significant damage was done.
The Ross Mound is important primarily for its archaeological
value. The land surrounding the mound has yielded large numbers of archaeological artifacts
, and a concentration of stones on the western edge of the mound's surface suggests that a grave or wall was once located there. The essentially pristine condition of the mound guarantees that any burials and grave goods
placed in the mound at the time of its construction is still buried within. Because no systematic excavation has been undertaken of the mound, its contents and its builders are uncertain. Archaeologists are certain that it is a burial mound
, but the date and culture
are unknown: possible candidates for the builders are the Adena
, Hopewell, or Fort Ancient
cultures, and it could have been built as early as 1000 BC or as late as AD 1000.
In recognition of the Edith Ross Mound's archaeological value, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1973; it is one of four Hocking County archaeological sites on the Register.
Archaeological site
An archaeological site is a place in which evidence of past activity is preserved , and which has been, or may be, investigated using the discipline of archaeology and represents a part of the archaeological record.Beyond this, the definition and geographical extent of a 'site' can vary widely,...
in the southeastern part of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
. Located near the village of Laurelville
Laurelville, Ohio
Laurelville is a village in Hocking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 533 at the 2000 census.The Hocking State Forest is located outside Laurelville.-Geography:Laurelville is located at ....
in Hocking County
Hocking County, Ohio
Hocking County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of 2010, the population was 29,380. Its county seat is Logan. Its name is from the Hocking River, the origins of which are disputed but is said to be a Delaware Indian word meaning "bottle river".-Geography:According to the...
, the mound is a circular structure that measures 40 feet (12.2 m) in diameter at its base and 4.6 feet (1.4 m) high at the center. It is constructed primarily of earth, with large stones placed on various parts of the surface. Few changes have been made to the mound since white settlement of the region; a small depression in the northwestern corner may be the result of someone digging, but no significant damage was done.
The Ross Mound is important primarily for its archaeological
Archaeology
Archaeology, or archeology , is the study of human society, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data that they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture, biofacts and cultural landscapes...
value. The land surrounding the mound has yielded large numbers of archaeological artifacts
Artifact (archaeology)
An artifact or artefact is "something made or given shape by man, such as a tool or a work of art, esp an object of archaeological interest"...
, and a concentration of stones on the western edge of the mound's surface suggests that a grave or wall was once located there. The essentially pristine condition of the mound guarantees that any burials and grave goods
Grave goods
Grave goods, in archaeology and anthropology, are the items buried along with the body.They are usually personal possessions, supplies to smooth the deceased's journey into the afterlife or offerings to the gods. Grave goods are a type of votive deposit...
placed in the mound at the time of its construction is still buried within. Because no systematic excavation has been undertaken of the mound, its contents and its builders are uncertain. Archaeologists are certain that it is a burial mound
Tumulus
A tumulus is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows, burial mounds, Hügelgrab or kurgans, and can be found throughout much of the world. A tumulus composed largely or entirely of stones is usually referred to as a cairn...
, but the date and culture
Archaeological culture
An archaeological culture is a recurring assemblage of artifacts from a specific time and place, which are thought to constitute the material culture remains of a particular past human society. The connection between the artifacts is based on archaeologists' understanding and interpretation and...
are unknown: possible candidates for the builders are the Adena
Adena culture
The Adena culture was a Pre-Columbian Native American culture that existed from 1000 to 200 BC, in a time known as the early Woodland Period. The Adena culture refers to what were probably a number of related Native American societies sharing a burial complex and ceremonial system...
, Hopewell, or Fort Ancient
Fort Ancient
Fort Ancient is a name for a Native American culture that flourished from 1000-1750 CE among a people who predominantly inhabited land along the Ohio River in areas of modern-day Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Southeastern Indiana and Western West Virginia. They were a maize based agricultural...
cultures, and it could have been built as early as 1000 BC or as late as AD 1000.
In recognition of the Edith Ross Mound's archaeological value, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
in 1973; it is one of four Hocking County archaeological sites on the Register.