Nearby Mound Builders and Maryla

Nearby Mound Builders and Maryland Archeology Links

by Crede Calhoun All Earth Eco Tours ~ WindrushOnline Art Gallery

In 1000 BC a new period of man in North America began. This period that lasted for 1,700 years is called the Woodland Period. During this time a new culture arose and constructed considerable settlements in what is now West Virginia. These 'People' were generally known as 'The Mound Builders.' The Mound Builders ranged all over from the Atlantic to the Midwest and Ohio, and included several cultures over 20 centuries.

The most famous and important were the Adena which came first and then the Hopewell although other cultures continued to build mounts up until 1300 AD. It is generally felt that the Hopewell were a more refined in their mound designs.

Most Archeaologists believe most mounds were for burial purposes and others for ceremonial purposes. Many mysteries surround their purpose and it is still unknown exactly what some of the mounds were for. A few of the mounds are huge and are designed to show a bird or a snake or other animal. The strange thing is that you can't easily tell what the design is unless you are flying over the site in an airplane!

A trip to the mounds from Deep Creek Lake is not that far. The largest conical burial mound in the United States is in Moundsvile West Va., a few hours away. By testing is has been discovered that the Grave Creek Mound was built by the Adena in 150BC. A visit to this site is very interesting and you can stop at the Delf Norona Museum and Cultural Center featuring numerous Native American artifacts from the site and region 2.

The Mysterious Grave Creek Stone
In 1838 a curious and mysterious stone was found at Grave Creek with what looks like letters inscribed on its surface. This small stone disk 2" X 1 1/2" is only inscribed on one side. This stone has since disappeared but in 1868 a plaster cast was made and deposited in the Smithsonian. Archaeologists have argued about the stones authenticity and what it means and some have declared it is picture writing and not alphabetical or phonetic. It's meaning remains a mystery.

Grave Creek Mound (above from above)

A Great Link to West Virginia Culture and History Site

Link to old Map of Moundsville Mound Sites

Other important and mounds are in Ohio as well. Here's a link to Ohio Mounds and Archealogical Information, and the incredible Great Serpent Mound, which shows a giant snake eating and egg? (pictured below).

Each Spring is Maryland Archeological Month to get information on events and activities being offered click on this link and submit the email card.

Maryland has one of the most high tech archeaology labs in the Nation at the Maryland Conservation Archaeological Laboratory. This 38,000 square feet facility offers extensive collection space, conservation labs and exhibit space. The exhibition space is housed in the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.

The largest Woodland Archeaological site in Maryland is located right here in Friendsville. This site on the Youghiogheny River has yielded approximately 49,000 artifacts and even some Adena points indicating encampments along this stretch of river 4,000 years ago!

The site was so rich in artifacts it was a treasure trove of information. There was ceramic pottery of all shapes sizes and purposes, and numerous arrowheads (some of which are on display in Friendsville at the Friend Family Association Museum). The Native Americans who frequented Friendsville were great travelers and traders indicated by the sea shell fragments found and rock tools made of materials such hematite that is only found far away.

Friendsville Points