Changes at Fort Ancient

Many changes have occurred at Fort Ancient over the last 2,000 years. Hopewell Indians built the site and used it as a ceremonial and social gathering area. The Fort Ancient Indians lived in the South Fort 500 years after the Hopewell people left. There is no evidence that the Fort Ancient Indians used the Middle or North Fort areas. The timeline below shows major occurrences at Fort Ancient.

100BC - AD500 Constructed and used by Hopewell Indians

AD900 - AD1600 Fort Ancient Indians inhabit South Fort area

Ca.1798 Chillicothe-Lebanon turnpike built through the site

1809 First reported and surveyed. Published in Port Folio magazine

1810 - 1880 Several surveys and examinations of the site

1881-1889 First systematic excavation by Warren K. Moorehead

1891 Fort Ancient purchased by state to be operated by Ohio Historical Society

1893 - 1936 Anderson Village site excavated by Clifford Anderson

1908 Portions excavated by William C. Mills

1920 First museum opened near Little Miami River

1932 - 1936 Used as Civilian Conservation Corps base camp. Earthworks renovated

1939 - 1940 Portions excavated by Richard Morgan