The territory embraced within the State of Ohio probably contains a greater number of prehistoric remains than any other equal area in the Mississippi valley. The number of these earthworks has been variously estimated. Some writers have estimated the number of tumuli at 10,000 and the enclosures, etc. at 1,000 to 1,500 making the total number of earthworks more than 11,000. As a matter of fact, these estimates were based upon what was known of such counties as Scioto, Ross, Pickaway, Butler, Hamilton, Warren, Washington, and Licking, all of which were great centers of prehistoric activity. If all counties in the state were dotted over with the earthworks of prehistoric man, as are the counties mentioned, the estimate would be inadequate. But, we find the entire northwest part of the state unsuited in prehistory times for occupancy by a prehistoric people, as the greater portion was low and swampy and at certain seasons of the year covered with water. Again, the southeast part of the state was entirely too rough and hilly and the valleys of the streams small, so that agriculture was carried on with great difficulty. The valleys of the two Miamis, Scioto and Muskingum, were well adapted for the abode of prehistoric man, and here we find his principal monuments.

The Southern Ohio / Northern Kentucky Labor Management Conference Board has published a Tourism Map, "Prehistoric Indian Sites in Scioto County". Some of the Sites mentioned are: A. The Feurt Mounds and Village Site; B. The Horseshoe Mound; C. Sinnioto Village; D. The Massacre Tree; E. Kalanu Native American Cemetery; F. Tremper Mound; G. Twin Mounds; H. Turkey Creek Embankment; I. Unionville Mound; J. Raven Rock; K. Effigy Bird Mound.

The Feurt Mounds and Village Site are situated about three miles north of Portsmouth on the west side of U.S. 23 at the Clay Township overpass. Part of the site is now utilized as an industrial park and a dog pound. The portion of the site which still remains consists of a hay field north of the dog pound and west of the industrial park.

The Native Americans who constructed the Feurt Mounds and lived in the village site belonged to the Fort Ancient Culture. The three mounds were excavated in 1916 by archaeologists who found 345 burials, all but one being in the flexed position. The artifacts of flint, stone, bone, shell and pottery were typical of the Fort Ancient Culture. The majority of flint arrowheads were elongated. triangular shaped with needle-like points.

This effigy mound constructed and used by Native Americans of the Hopewell Culture is located in Mound Park at the northeast corner of Grant Street and Hutchins Street in Portsmouth. It is one of two horseshoe-shaped platforms that formerly laid at the northern terminus of two parallel earthen walls which ran southeasterly to the Ohio River and which continued on the Kentucky side of the river, where they led to two concentric circular enclosures.

It is theorized that the Horseshoe Mound was used for ceremonial purposes rather than for burial or for the construction of living quarters.

The hub of pre-historic and historic Woodland Indian activity for approximately 5,000 years in the Ohio Valley. This was a large town site covering both banks of the Ohio River and was used as a Peace Town where people of all nationalities would be protected and the business of trade between the different tribes could be accomplished in safety.

Sinnioto was known to the European traders as Lower Shawnee Town. A small village ca. 1800 is being built on this site by the Tallige Cherokee Nation for the education of the general public. Guided tours will be offered by appointment only.

The Oral Legend known to the local Indian people is that this large and very old sycamore tree was used by the Tecumseh Confederacy as a collection point for the European flatbottom river boat prisoners. Legend has it that over 200 Europeans were killed at this site. This tree is still alive and is the center of the Tourist Village of Sinnioto.

The Kalanu (Raven in Cherokee) Native American Cemetery is the newest mound in the Ohio Valley as it was built on July 19,1987 by the Scioto County Commission and local native peoples, for the return of 47 Ancient Native American bodies returned to Scioto County by the Ohio Historical Society. A bronze plaque has been installed to commemorate this occasion.

Just to the north of the cemetery is Raven Rock Hill. an early Woodland Indian observation and ceremonial place, now under the jurisdiction of the State of Ohio. This area is named after a Cherokee war leader who fought off Shawnee warriors until he was too weak to fight and leapt to his death to keep from being captured.

Tremper Mound is a 2,000 year old mound, originally built by the Hopewell culture as a ceremonial crematory for their respected dead. The mound was built over a large burning area and was excavated in 1915 and measures 120 ft. by 250 ft. and is 5 ft. high.

This site is famous for the 60 effigy pipes found in the upper mound area. The local native people call this place Bear Mound as it is an effigy mound with an earthwork surrounding it and with only one entrance.

"This is privately owned property and permission must be obtained before touring."

The Twin Mounds are located on Slate Run just off State Route 104 on the left side of the road. They are unusual because they have been protected by private ownership for hundreds of years. Structurally they are approximately six feet high.

"This is privately owned property and permission must be obtained before touring."

This Embankment is located at the confluence of Turkey Creek and the Ohio River. The Embankment lies on both sides of Turkey Creek. There isn't any known usage that has been passed down to contemporary Indians.

"This is privately owned property and permission must be obtained before touring."

The Mound was probably a guard or signal post as the entire Ceremonial Complex could be seen from this mound. The immediate are a was a network of these mounds and this was the terminus for the Warrior's Trail going to all areas of Ohio.

"This is privately owned property and permission must be obtained before touring."

The premiere Lookout Point in the annals of the battle for the Northwest Territory is located across from the Riverside Park on Route 52. Under the care of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources they will allow scheduled tours.

When the first people entered Scioto County, Ohio, approximately 5,000 years ago, they found this to be a perfect area to live as there were great quantities of food available that were relatively easy to harvest.

As the first people population expanded and extra time became available to them, they began to build a great cultural center to celebrate their good fortune in finding this place.

The Effigy Bird Mound is a spring ceremonial earthwork that was built to welcome the first day of spring back to our valley. It was observed by waiting for the turkey buzzards to return to the top of the hill just north of the earthwork. This usually happened the first week of May as it still does today.

When spring was declared by the ceremonial leaders then the year's work could be planned and job assignments for the Woodland Indian clans could be scheduled.

About 1.000 years ago this earthwork was almost abandoned as the first people scattered throughout the area and became the different tribal entities known as Miami, Shawnee, Cherokee, Huron, Delaware. etc.

The earthwork’s last usage by the Woodland tribes was as a cemetery or burial ground as it was a Sacred site to all the Indian people.

The Effigy Bird Mound has guided tours which are offered by appointment only to the public where the effigy bird is still visible and a small Woodland Indian Village is being built for walking tours and is under the protection of the Tallige Cherokee Nation.

For more information on The Tallige Cherokee Nation, our festivals, Cherokee Hall, Tourism, Membership, interest in finding your Cherokee Heritage or anyone wishing to see and find out more about Indian Mounds and why we are trying to preserve and save them, you are invited to visit or call The Tallige Cherokee Nation at our office located at 247-A Old U.S. Highway 52, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663. Four miles west of Portsmouth on U.S. Rt. 52, next to Raven Rock and across the road from the Earl Thomas Conley Park. Phone: 740-858-4227, 740-372-0254 or 740-354-9752.