From the NewsForce247 Archive — originally published October 28, 2025. Stories move to the archive automatically after four weeks; they remain searchable and shareable.
ADAMS COUNTY, OH — Tucked away on a bluff overlooking Ohio Brush Creek in rural Adams County lies one of the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring landmarks in North America: The Serpent Mound. This colossal earthwork, the largest effigy mound in the world, is a must-see for anyone traversing the Buckeye State and a perfect destination for this week’s “Traveling Tuesdays in Ohio.”
Stretching over 1,348 feet—longer than the Empire State Building is tall—the sinuous mound depicts a giant snake with a curled tail and an oval feature at its open jaws, which many interpret as an egg or the sun. Its sheer size and precise curves have cemented its status as a masterpiece of ancient Indigenous engineering and spiritual expression.
A Shifting Timeline of Ancient Builders
Part of the mystery that draws visitors and scholars alike is the long-running debate over who exactly built it.
* The Traditional View (Adena Culture): For many years, archaeologists attributed the mound to the Adena culture (c. 800 B.C. to A.D. 100), based on nearby burial mounds.
* The Modern Debate (Fort Ancient Culture): Recent carbon dating has complicated the timeline, suggesting the serpent may have been built or extensively repaired by the Fort Ancient culture around A.D. 1120.
What remains undisputed is the mound’s spiritual significance. It is widely believed to have served as an astronomical calendar, with the serpent’s curves and head aligning with the rising and setting of the sun during the solstices and equinoxes, connecting the people to the cycles of the seasons.
UNESCO Status and Preservation Efforts
While Ohio celebrated the inscription of the nearby Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023, the Serpent Mound, which was built during a different era, is being considered for a separate UNESCO nomination. The site is a National Historic Landmark, managed by the Ohio History Connection, and remains an active point of pride and a sacred place for American Indian tribes.
If you plan to visit, remember this is a protected archaeological site. Visitors can walk the perimeter and gain a stunning perspective of the entire serpent from the nearby observation tower. Though some sources indicate the tower may be undergoing repairs, the ground-level trails offer an immersive and reverent experience.
Visitor Tip: The mound sits atop a plateau that is the remnant of an ancient meteorite impact crater. Stop by the small museum on-site to learn more about the incredible geology and the people who built this world wonder.
Location: 3850 State Route 73, Peebles, OH 45660 (Adams County)
Admission: A small fee is typically charged per vehicle.
Check before you go: Always check the Ohio History Connection website for the latest hours and any tower closure updates.
— NewsForce247.com