Miamisburg Mound [OH]

Description

The Miamisburg Mound is the largest conical burial mound in the state of Ohio and possibly in the eastern U. S. Archaeological investigations of the surrounding area suggest that it was constructed by the prehistoric Adena Indians (800 BC–AD 100). Built on a 100-foot-high bluff, the mound measures 877 feet in circumference. It was originally more than 70 feet high. Visitors may climb the 116 steps from its base to the summit for a view of the surrounding park.

The site is open to the public.

Website does not specify any interpretive services available at the site.

Fort Rice State Historic Site [ND]

Description

This site preserves remaining vestiges of a military post established in 1864 by General Alfred Sully to supply his campaign into western Dakota and to protect traffic on the Missouri River, a function the fort continued until replaced by Fort Yates in 1877. There is a marker on the site.

The site is open to the public.

Website does not specify any interpretive services available at the site.

Father Marquette Memorial Scenic Site [MI]

Description

This historic state park hosts the national memorial that honors the Jesuit priest who established Michigan's first permanent settlement. Today, Father Marquette is recognized as one of the great explorers of the North American continent. On a rise overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, the Father Marquette National Memorial pays homage to this 17th-century missionary-explorer and the meeting of French and Native American cultures deep in the North American wilderness. Current attractions include the National Memorial, an outdoor interpretive trail, picnicking, and a panoramic view of the Mackinac Bridge.

The site is open to the public.

Website does not specify any interpretive services beyond signage available at the site.

David Thompson State Historic Site [ND]

Description

This site lies near the supposed route followed by trappers and traders en route between Canadian trading posts and the Indian villages along the Missouri River. It is named after the famous English explorer, scientist, and cartographer, David Thompson. There is a marker on the site.

The site is open to the public.

Website does not specify any interpretive services available at the site.

Fort Towson

Description

Fort Towson was established in 1824 in response to a need to quell conflicts between lawless elements, Native American peoples, and settlers claiming the area as part of Arkansas Territory. The fort also served as an outpost on the border between the United States and Texas, which at that time was part of Mexico. Connected to the East by road, Fort Towson served as a gateway for settlers bound for Texas during the 1830s. Those passing through the area included Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and Stephen F. Austin. When the Choctaw and Chickasaw were displaced from their lands in the Southeastern United States, the fort served as a point of dispersal upon their arrival in the west. The fort was also an important staging area for U.S. forces during the Mexican War of 1846. Fort Towson was abandoned in 1856 when the frontier moved west. During the Civil War, however, it served for a time as headquarters for Confederate forces operating in Indian Territory. In 1865 General Stand Watie surrendered his command near the fort to become the last Confederate general to lay down arms.

Website does not specify services available at the site.

Seip Mound [OH]

Description

Seip Mound is the central mound in a group of geometric earthworks. Farming and erosion have degraded the surrounding earthworks leaving the central mound an outstanding feature. It is 240 feet long, 130 feet wide, and 30 feet high. Excavations have revealed that prehistoric Indian buildings existed near the earthworks. Today, visitors can see the location of some of these buildings as they are outlined by short posts in the ground. The Hopewell Indians (100 BC–AD 500) built Seip Mound for burials. This culture had a highly developed craft industry, as is evidenced by artifacts found with bodies in the burial site.

The site is open to the public.

Website does not specify any interpretive sources available at the site.

Pawnee Rock State Historic Site

Description

To travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, this sandstone citadel marked the halfway point of the trail and was one of the most prominent landmarks on their long journey. Native Americans were said to have met at Pawnee Rock and reputedly used it as a vantage point to spot bison herds and approaching wagon trains. Visitors can stand atop Pawnee Rock while learning about the Santa Fe Trail, enjoy a picnic under the shaded pavilion, and contemplate the rich history of the Santa Fe Trail traders and the Pawnee Indians.

Website offers no specifics on services offered by the site.