| Fort Ancient Lebanon, Ohio |
| 18,000 feet of earth walls make this the longest earth mound in the world. Originally thought to be an ancient fort, until someone noticed that the moat was on the interior side. Also originally given credit to the Fort Ancient Culture as there was evidence of a nearby pre-columbian community of full time farmers, who at the time were named after "Fort Ancient". Later, radioactive carbon datings indicated this was created by the Hopewell Culture. By then, it was too late to rename the Fort Ancient Culture. Most likely a place for ceremonies, nature of which is unknown. |
| As always, major mounds sites are not too far from a river, in this case, the Little Miami. Notice how the enclosure follows the contours of the hilltop. When I visited Fort Ancient, I found the most interesting part to be the middle section, where the opposing walls are closest. There were other mounds present in this section that dictate your direction. While walking through Fort Ancient, I found myself wondering if I had crossed the path of ancient funeral processions. |