Free Topo Maps of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Download free topo maps of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Ohio maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park was established to preserve and protect prehistoric mounds constructed by indigenous people thousands of years ago. Recent research by archeoastronomers indicates that the people of the Hopewell Culture had an astonishing understanding of astronomy which is reflected in many of their earthworks, mounds of varying shapes, with earthen walls built in geometric shapes. It is theorized that the mounds were used for ceremonial, spiritual and social interaction by several different Native American groups. Some of the mounds were used as burial grounds, some for preparing the dead for burial, while others were used for ceremonial purposes. Genetic data indicates that the Native Americans emanating from eastern North American today were preceded by the Hopewell people who lived in this region over 2,000 years ago. Once there were high earthen walls around many of these mounds, but time and agriculture took its toll prior to establishment of the Park. Only three of the mounds had stone walls around them, and archeologists are not certain why they were constructed of stone instead of earthen walls. There are many mysteries, but much has been discovered as well. A stop at the Visitor Center which has an award-winning film and a museum to explore will enhance any visit to Hopewell. The Hopewell farm is where the archeologists first fully explored the mound constructions. Originally the five mound sites were separate, until the 1990s when five sites were joined to create Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. Today the Park consists of High Bank Works, Hopeton Earthworks, Hopewell Mound Group, Mound City Group and Seip Earthworks covering over 1,200 acres of land. Some of the mounds are small, while others have extremely large works, but all contained numerous artifacts that have been collected; including copper objects, shark's teeth, mussel shells used as tools after being used as a food source and the pearls for decorative purposes, obsidian and mica artifacts are among the hundreds of thousands of items that have been amassed. Guided tours and interpretive talks are available during the summer months; there are also self-guided interpretive trails in addition to hiking and a biking trail.