October 12, 2018
Today we visited some Indian earthworks called Newark Earthworks (click to learn more). They are geometric mounds dug about 2000 years ago by the Native American Indians that lived in the area. The reason for building these earthworks isn’t exactly known (there are several different theories). But they do know that the people that dug them used hand tools and baskets to move the dirt.
They cover acres and acres of land. Some of it has been destroyed by development and buildings but much has been preserved. Artist’s rendering below.
Inside the huge circle was a meadow with trees and grass.
This huge tree was in the meadow. When we walked around behind it, we saw that it had been struck by lightning.
This tree was amazing, you can see how hollow it is but at the very top, there were still branches with green leaves!
A fun tree stump shot. (0:
There are several other sights that we drove to in order to see more of the earthworks. There was also a flint quarry nearby where the Indians used to dig flint for making their arrowheads and other tools with. We visited the museum first.
Using some tools
This tool was made from a shoulder blade bone.
After the museum, we walked out on a trail that took us to the quarry. You can tell by the landscape where the Indians dug into the hills to take out the flint rock.
We found several spots where it was obvious they had worked the flint as there were little pieces all over the ground.
Here is a large piece of flint rock.
There’s always a tree to play with ……
Donald says he learned about the Indian Earthworks back when he was a teenager. Now’s he has gotten to see them in person 35 years later. (0:
Love that Tree Stump picture
I thought that was a fun one.