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Ohio
52

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southwest Ohio Region
Fort Ancient State Memorial
Fort Ancient State Memorial © Photohio / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Diagram of the Fort Ancient solar calendar used to track the Sun, make a solar calendar, and determine, for example, when to have certain celebrations or when to plant and harvest crops.
Fort Ancient State Memorial © Photohio / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of several mounds used to track the Sun, make a solar calendar, and determine, for example, when to have certain celebrations or when to plant and harvest crops.
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FORT ANCIENT STATE MEMORIAL
FORT ANCIENT STATE MEMORIAL
6123 OH-350
Oregonia, Ohio   45054
(lat:39.4068 lon:-84.0893) map location

Phone: (513) 932-4421
Fort Ancient features 18,000 feet of earthen walls built 2,000 years ago by American Indians who used the shoulder blades of deer, split elk antler, clam shell hoes and digging sticks to dig the dirt. They then carried the soil in baskets holding 35 to 40 pounds. Portions of these walls were used in conjunction with the sun and moon to provide a calendar system for these peoples.

The site offers beautiful vistas along hiking trails as well as the remains of the prehistoric mounds for visitors to see. Convenient picnic areas can be found along the road at the site.

The Museum at Fort Ancient, newly built and containing 9000 sq. ft. of new exhibits opened on 22 March 1998. These new exhibits, containing many interactive units, focus on 15,000 years of American Indian history in the Ohio Valley. The Museum also contains a classroom, a research area, and a sales shop with many fine American Indian items.




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 18 Wonderful Autumn Activity by Plane Jane
park review stars; one to five The guided walking tour with the archaeologist is informative and entertaining. The science and scope of the earthworks amazed us. The museum holds a wealth of information, but the real treasure is found by walking the area. Packing a picnic would have been worthwhile.
October 19 Fabulous for kids by enviro ed lady
park review stars; one to five This is the best museum on park grounds I have ever visited. It is interesting in the context of site history through the ages, as well as informative for all ages. Youths studying native american culture will find it of particular interest. The staff is quite helpful, but the state needs to fund more educators to help interpret. Hiking trails provide terrific vistas. Many emenities for family use.
December 7 Tranquility and Beauty by Bob Kelso
park review stars; one to five Fort Ancient is steeped in prehistoric history and beauty. One of the most beautiful and tranquil parks in Ohio. Great hiking trails for the novice or experienced hiker.
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Cottages and Cabins
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84.4 miles from park*
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Ohio
52

Ohio State Parks

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