Cedar-Bank Works
Cedar Bank Works · Cedar-Bank Enclosures
Early to Middle Woodland (1000 BCE–300 CE)·Adena – early Hopewell·🇺🇸 Ohio, Ross County, United States
About
About Cedar-Bank Works
Paired Adena (1000–100 BCE) and Hopewell-era enclosures on left bank of Scioto 5 mi north of Chillicothe: large 350-m-diameter circular enclosure (12 ac) with interior ditch and 1.5 m embankment plus adjoining 150 m square with gateway to east, connected by graded causeway. Banks externally ditched (Adena trait) yet Hopewell sherds intrusive. Squier-Davis Plate XXI records full shape; eastern half plowed, western wooded and preserved on private farmland with ODNR easement. One of few dual-component Adena-to-Hopewell sites demonstrating continuity.
Why it mattersRare Adena enclosure with Hopewell reuse; illustrates earthwork continuity and transition in Ross County cluster.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Whether Adena circle later remodeled by Hopewell
- 02interior village vs pure ceremonial use
Theories
- 01Adena mortuary precursor incorporated into Hopewell ritual landscape
- 02Line-of-sight node to High Bank Works
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.800 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Early to Middle Woodland (1000 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Adena – early Hopewell
- Purpose
- Mortuary ceremonial enclosure and village precinct
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.800 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction
c. 1437 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
39.4011° N · 82.9767° W · 200 m · 2 mapped features
Great Circular Enclosure
earthwork350 m diameter Adena circle, interior ditch, 8 gateways
39.4014° N · 82.9769° WEastern Square Enclosure
enclosure150 m square abutting circle via causeway
39.4007° N · 82.9760° W
Gallery