Hopewell Culture National Heritage Park
16062 State Route 104Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-774-1126 | https://www.nps.gov/hocu/index.htm
Hopewell Culture National Heritage Park
The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a site of world-wide significance, which has been nominated to become a designated World Heritage Site. The park features ceremonial burial mounds and has some remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal which passed through the land that is now part of the park.
The Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a site of world-wide significance, which has been nominated to become a designated World Heritage Site. The park features ceremonial burial mounds and has some remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal which passed through the land that is now part of the park.
Just north of Chillicothe the Ohio & Erie Canal crossed through an area now recognized as an archaeological site of world-wide importance, in line to be declared a World Heritage Site. Today there is little evidence of the canal other than a few stones from the demolished Lock 35, but the national park is definitely worth a visit. It’s a reminder that Ohio has a long history predating white settlement, including a mound-building native group dating back 20 centuries and called the Hopewell Culture. The name came from the Hopewell family, owners of the site at the time it was first explored. Nearby, west of State Route 104, is Adena, the 1807 stone house built by Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s sixth governor and owner of a 2,000-acre farm here. Designed by architect Benjamin Latrobe, the house has been restored and is maintained by the Ohio History Connection as a State Memorial open to the public. Although later tree growth has obscured it somewhat, the view from Adena eastward across the Scioto Valley inspired the hills that form the background of the Great Seal of the State of Ohio.
Notes for Travelers
Although there is not much left of the canal, except for a few stones in the park, the Hopewell Culture is fascinating and the ceremonial mounds have world-wide significance. Other historic sites to visit nearby include Adena Mansion and Gardens (a state memorial maintained by the Ohio History Connection) and Chillicothe, Ohio’s first state capitol.
https://www.adenamansion.com/
The Ross County Historical Society operates multiple historic sites, including a museum and library at its Heritage Center, Knolls Log House and Franklin House. Check the website for details about hours and upcoming events.
https://rosscountyhistorical.org/
For additional ideas for what to do and see while visiting, check the Visit Chillicothe website.
http://visitchillicotheohio.com/
Credits
Jeff Darbee, Nancy Recchie, David MeyerAdditional Resources
Meyer, David. Life Along the Ohio Canal – Licking Reservoir to Lockbourne and Columbus FeederMeyer, David. Life Along the Ohio Canal in the Scioto River Valley