Junction Group Earthworks
Junction Group – Paint Creek · Ancient Monuments Plate XII Junction
Middle Woodland Hopewell (100 BCE–500 CE)·Hopewell tradition·🇺🇸 Ohio, Ross County, United States
About
About Junction Group Earthworks
Unusual Hopewell (100 BCE–500 CE) enclosure complex at confluence of Paint Creek and North Fork, comprising nine geometric elements—four circles, two squares, crescents and parallel walls—covering 26 acres; embankments 1–1.8 m high, ditches exterior (Adena-style). Distinct from Chillicothe core group by irregular combination not duplicated elsewhere; LiDAR by Jarrod Burks (2012) revealed plowed-flat elements. Managed by Arc of Appalachia with small trailhead; part of Ohio Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage tentative context.
Why it mattersOnly Hopewell complex with nine conjoined circles/squares; demonstrates regional Hopewell diversity and Squier-Davis mapping accuracy verified by magnetometry.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why combination of 9 forms unique in Hopewell
- 02Function of adjacent linear ditch feature
Theories
- 01Pilgrimage station on Paint Creek ritual corridor
- 02Calendar / ceremonial precinct linked to Hopeton
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.100–350 CE
- Period
- Middle Woodland Hopewell (100 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Hopewell tradition
- Purpose
- Ceremonial enclosure, mortuary and astronomical gathering
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.100–350 CE
Initial construction
c. 1619 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
39.3158° N · 83.0128° W · 205 m · 2 mapped features
Small perfect circle (south-central)
earthwork80 m diameter circle with exterior ditch, 1.2 m high wall
39.3154° N · 83.0125° WParallel-walled approach
causeway150 m double earthen walls leading east toward Paint Creek terrace
39.3161° N · 83.0119° W
Gallery