The OES visited the Newark Earthworks on June
11, 2001. These prehistoric Hopewell culture earthworks were once the largest
set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world, encompassing more than four
square miles. The earthworks date between
100 BC to 500 AD. Researchers believe that the earthworks were used as a burial
place,
cathedral, and astronomical observatory. People living in or near the earthworks
probably benefited from the nearby Flint Ridge. Unfortunately, modern
development and agriculture have destroyed most of the earthworks. There are,
however, multiple sections that have survived including the Octagon Earthworks,
Wright Earthworks, and the Great Circle. The Octagon Earthworks are located on a
private golf course, but the Great Circle is open to the public, sitting on 15
acres. In the 1850s, the Great Circle was the site of the Licking County
Fairgrounds and served variously as the county fairground, state fairground,
amusement park, horse-racing venue, and military drill field into the early
1900s. The earthworks' properties were transferred to the City of Newark and the
Ohio Historical Society by the 1930s. Below are photos that were taken of the
Great Circle section of the mounds.
| Location Information: Public Park |
| The Newark Earthworks are located at 99 Cooper Avenue in Newark; Licking County. |
| Photographs |
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