Ancient Ohioans Built a Quarter-Mile Snake Effigy That Still Baffles Scientists Today

The Great Serpent Mound in Ohio

In Adams County, Ohio, there’s an amazing snake-shaped mound that stretches 1,348 feet long and stands 3 feet tall. This earthwork, called the Great Serpent Mound, is one “largest serpent effigy known in the world.”

Here are some interesting facts about this astonishing landmark.

Who Made It?

For years, experts thought it was the Adena people’s work (800 BCE – 100 CE). Then evidence pointed to the Fort Ancient culture (1000-1650 CE).

Now, thanks to modern soil testing, scientists think both groups might have had a hand in it.

The Builders Were Experts in Astronomy

The snake’s head points exactly where the sun sets during summer solstice, and the curves in its body perfectly align with winter and summer sunrises.

Harvard scientists confirmed this isn’t a coincidence: these alignments required serious astronomical knowledge and some impressive math skills.

It’s Built on a Prehistoric Impact Site

The entire mound sits on ground that was either hit by a meteor or rocked by a massive underground explosion about 300 million years ago.

Scientists found special crushed quartz that only forms under extreme impact.

The Construction Was Incredibly Sophisticated

Instead of using whatever dirt was nearby, they carefully selected different colored soils and clays from miles around. Each layer was placed with incredible precision, and scientists think each color had special meaning.

Remember, they did all this with just wood and stone tools – no modern equipment, no problem. We’re talking thousands of hours of perfectly coordinated work.

It’s a Sacred Site

The Serpent Mound was a deeply spiritual place where people gathered for important ceremonies.

Different Native American tribes have varying interpretations of what the snake represents – some see it as a symbol of nature’s power, others as a protective spirit.

The snake appears in countless Native American stories, often representing transformation and spiritual journeys.

The Site Almost Disappeared Forever

The 1800s nearly saw this masterpiece lost to history, but Harvard scientist Frederick Ward Putnam stepped in and saved the day by purchasing the land.

Now it’s a National Historic Landmark under Ohio History Connection’s protection.

There Are Snake Mounds All Over the World

The Serpent Mound isn’t a one-off. Similar snake-shaped structures have been found in Peru, Britain, and other spots across North America.

Visiting the Giant Serpent Mound

Today, you can walk up and see this masterpiece for yourself at 3850 OH-73, Peebles, OH 45660, USA.

• Wednesday–Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM, with final entry at 4 PM
• Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM, with final entry at 4 PM
• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

There are three other ancient burial mounds, a gift shop, and a museum near the Giant Serpent Mound.