Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.
Newark, Ohio’s Octagon Earthworks Open House will be held Sunday, April 11th and Monday, April 12th. The earthworks will be open from daylight to dusk, and our staff will be on site from Noon–4pm each day to answer questions about its features and history.
Part of the larger Newark Earthworks complex and built by ancient American Indians, the Octagon Earthworks consists of a 50-acre, 8-sided enclosure with earthen walls measuring about 550 feet long and five to six feet in height. Between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D., this architectural wonder of America was part cathedral, part cemetery and part astronomical observatory. The Octagon Earthworks are aligned to the four moonrises and four moonsets that mark a complicated 18.6-year-long lunar cycle.
While there, you can also explore the Great Circle, a short distance by car. Upon arrival, guests are encouraged to follow the signs for a self-guided tour. (Note due to limited capacity and ongoing COVID concerns the museum and restrooms will be closed). The Great Circle Earthworks is nearly 1,200 feet in diameter and was likely used as a vast ceremonial center by its builders. The 8 feet (2.4 m) high walls surround a 5 feet (1.5 m) deep moat, except at the entrance where the dimensions are even greater and more impressive. The Great Circle will be open from daylight to dusk.
If you can’t make it to the open house days in April, you can also visit on July 26 or October 17. Get more info below.
The Octagon Earthworks is located at 125 North 33rd Street in Newark, on the grounds of Moundbuilder’s Country Club.
For more information, go to our link to the Ohio History Connection website. CLICK HERE:
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