Visiting the Grave Creek Mound and Museum

In July of 2019, we traveled to Moundsville, West Virginia, and one of our stops was at the Grave Creek Mound across the street from the West Virginia Penitentiary. After visiting the museum, we also took the time to climb the steps around the mound to reach its summit, which is almost 70 feet tall.

As mentioned in the opening, we went to the Grave Creek Mound the same day that we visited the Moundsville Penitenary. We had Shawn's dad, sister, and niece with us as we toured the museum and hiked to the top of the mound. It was an intriguing experience and one that we have wanted to do for some time. In our video below, you will see our experiences at the location.

The Grave Creek Mound is strategically located in Moundsville, West Virginia, which is a region rich in archaeological significance. This monumental structure is recognized as one of the largest conical burial mounds in the United States, standing as a testament to the advanced engineering and cultural practices of the ancient Adena people. The Adena culture, which thrived in the Ohio Valley region from approximately 1000 BC to 200 AD, is characterized by its intricate burial rituals, elaborate earthworks, and a complex societal structure. The mound itself serves not only as a burial site but also as a symbol of the Adena's societal hierarchy and religious beliefs, reflecting their connection to the land and their ancestors.

The construction of the Grave Creek Mound is estimated to have occurred between 250 BC and 100 AD, a period during which the Adena people were developing their distinctive cultural practices. The mound's impressive dimensions, with a base diameter of approximately 295 feet and a height of around 69 feet, indicate a significant investment of labor and resources, suggesting that it was reserved for the elite members of Adena society. Archaeological evidence implies that the mound served as a burial site for high-status individuals, likely leaders or shamans, who played crucial roles within their communities. The use of earth and stone in its construction highlights the Adena's sophisticated understanding of engineering and their ability to manipulate the environment to create lasting monuments. The The purpose of the mound extended beyond mere burial; it served as a focal point for communal gatherings, rituals, and a physical manifestation of the Adena's cosmological beliefs regarding life, death, and the afterlife.

The excavation of the Grave Creek Mound in 1838 marked a pivotal moment in the study of Native American history. Conducted by local archaeologists, the excavation revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, including intricately designed pottery, sophisticated tools, and various burial goods that provided us valuable information about the daily lives and spiritual practices of the Adena people. Among the most significant discoveries were the human remains of individuals buried within the mound, which underscored the site's importance for ancestral veneration and the cultural practices surrounding death and the afterlife. The artifacts discovered have helped researchers understand the social structure of the Adena culture, indicating a society that valued craftsmanship, trade, and ritualistic practices. The The findings have also enhanced our understanding of how various Native American cultures were interconnected across the region during this period.

In recognition of its profound historical and archaeological significance, the Grave Creek Mound was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. This designation points out the value of preserving such sites for future generations, as they offer invaluable insights into the cultural heritage of Native American societies. Following its recognition, concerted efforts have been made to ensure the preservation of the mound and the surrounding area, including the establishment of educational programs aimed at raising public awareness about the mound's history and the Adena culture. These initiatives are important because they encourage appreciation and understanding of the complex narratives that shape American history, particularly regarding the contributions of Indigenous peoples.

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History currently manages the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site, ensuring its preservation and educational outreach. The site features a well-curated museum that showcases various artifacts recovered from the mound, alongside informative exhibits that explore the cultural, historical, and archaeological context of the Adena people. This educational facility serves as a vital resource for visitors, students, and researchers alike, offering insights into early Native American history and the significance of the mound. The site continues to attract a diverse array of visitors, from tourists to scholars, all eager to explore the rich tapestry of early American history and the long-lasting legacy of the Adena culture. Through ongoing research and public engagement, the Grave Creek Mound remains a crucial link to understanding the ancient past and its relevance to contemporary society.

Former Museums

Before the construction of the current Delf Norona Museum, the Adena Mound in Moundsville was home to a series of earlier, more modest museum efforts aimed at showcasing the site's significance. In the early 20th century, local officials and private collectors began to take an interest in the artifacts and history associated with the Grave Creek Mound. An early museum operated out of a small building near the base of the mound and focused primarily on displaying archaeological finds, many of which had been unearthed during earlier, less regulated excavations. By modern standards, these exhibits often presented stone tools, pottery fragments, and human remains with minimal context or cultural sensitivity.

Later, in the mid-20th century, the former Moundsville City Hall building housed a small museum. While more structured than its predecessor, this museum still lacked the interpretive depth and cultural perspective necessary to fully convey the importance of the Adena people. It leaned more heavily into curiosity-driven displays and local lore rather than comprehensive education. These earlier museum efforts, while well-intentioned, reflected the limited archaeological understanding of the time and have since been replaced by the more respectful, research-based approach seen in today’s Delf Norona Museum, which opened in 1978 and provides a much richer, more accurate portrayal of the site and its prehistoric builders.

Giants of Moundsville

The story of the so-called "Moundsville Giants" is one of the most enduring and controversial legends tied to the Adena Mound in Moundsville, West Virginia. According to 19th-century accounts, early excavations of the Grave Creek Mound allegedly uncovered the skeletal remains of extraordinarily tall individuals—some reportedly measuring over seven feet in height. These discoveries were said to shock the public and fuel speculation about a lost race of ancient giants who may have once inhabited the Ohio Valley. Local newspapers or journals often published these reports, contributing to the growing body of folklore surrounding the mysterious builders of the mound.

The legend gained traction as amateur historians, treasure hunters, and even early archaeologists reported finding oversized skulls and bones during digs in various Adena and Hopewell mounds across the region. While no verified remains of such extraordinary stature exist today, the original claims have never stopped inspiring conspiracy theories and fringe archaeological theories. Some enthusiasts believe the evidence was suppressed or removed, either by early institutions like the Smithsonian or due to discomfort with discoveries that challenged conventional historical narratives.

Mainstream archaeology, however, does not support the existence of a race of giants. Most experts agree that the Adena people were of average height for their time and that earlier reports were likely misinterpretations, exaggerations, or fabrications. Still, the story of the Moundsville Giants persists, especially within alternative history circles, adding an eerie and mythical layer to the already fascinating site. The tale blends historical mystery, misreported science, and cultural curiosity—ensuring that the legend of the giants remains part of the folklore surrounding the Grave Creek Mound to this day.

Grave Creek Stone

The Grave Creek Stone is one of the most mysterious and debated artifacts ever associated with the Grave Creek Mound in Moundsville, West Virginia. Discovered in 1838 during early excavations led by amateur archaeologist James W. Clemens, the small, inscribed sandstone tablet was reportedly found among burial remains within the mound. The stone measures roughly 1.875 inches long and bears 25 characters carved in a script that does not resemble any known Native American writing system. Upon its discovery, the Grave Creek Stone sparked immediate intrigue and controversy, with many questioning its authenticity and origin.

Some early researchers suggested that the symbols resembled ancient Old World scripts such as Iberian, Greek, or Phoenician, leading to theories that the mound had been built or influenced by early transatlantic travelers. These ideas fed into 19th-century beliefs in hyperdiffusionism—the theory that all civilizations derived from a single advanced source. However, skepticism grew over time, especially as questions arose about the documentation and chain of custody surrounding the stone. Critics argued that the artifact may have been planted or fabricated to attract attention to the dig or to support pseudohistorical claims.

Professional archaeologists and scholars now widely consider the Grave Creek Stone a hoax. Linguistic analyses have shown that the characters do not form any coherent language, and inconsistencies in the excavation records further cast doubt on the artifact’s legitimacy. Despite this, the stone remains a captivating element of the mound’s history, often cited in discussions of early American archaeology and the myths that emerged during the nation’s exploration of its prehistoric past. Whether considered a genuine mystery or a relic of 19th-century imagination, the Grave Creek Stone continues to intrigue visitors and researchers alike.

If you've been to this place, please share your experience in the comments. We would love to hear from you.