The staggering variety of cultures that have come together to call West Virginia home is astounding. And we’re not just talking about North and South, farmer and coal miner. No, the gathering of diverse people groups started well before that – thousands and thousands of years ago, in fact.
From 1000 B.C.E. to 100 C.E., a Native American culture and people group that has come to be known as the Adena thrived in the Ohio Valley. And the largest of their burial mounds can still be seen in Moundsville, West Virginia: the Grave Creek Mound.
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Built approximately 150 to 250 years before the birth of Christ, this mound rises 69 feet tall and measures 295 feet in diameter. As such, it is not only the largest Adena mound in existence, it’s the largest burial mound in the United States, period.
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A short but steep hike takes you to the top of this massive mound, which affords a beautiful view of the surrounding city.
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Of course, the view has changed significantly since the Adena era!
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Not only does the summit afford a view of Moundsville, but also of the old West Virginia Penitentiary just across the road.
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There’s more. Situated on the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex adjoining the mound is the Delf Norona Museum, where visitors to the area can learn even more about the history of the Adena people as well as that of other significant cultural movements with ties to West Virginia.
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With a variety of interesting displays, some of which are even interactive, the museum is sure to delight patrons of all ages.
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The Grave Creek Archaeological Complex is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
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To learn more, visit the Grave Creek Mound and Museum website here. Alternatively, find them on Facebook here. Have you ever been to visit this burial mound that’s reportedly the largest in the nation? How about the haunted penitentiary next door?
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Address: Grave Creek Indian Mound, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
