Himes Mound

The Himes Mound was located near Alex-Bell Road between Normandy Lane and North Main Street.  Archaeologists first studied it in 1884.

In the summer of 1977, archeologists and students from the Ohio Historical Society and Wright State University completely excavated the mound because it was in the path of the new Interstate 675.

The mound was approximately 5 feet high and 50 feet in diameter.  The mixed clay soil in the mound was removed and analyzed.  The mound covered the site of a temporary shelter for protection against the weather: the vertical post molds were discovered in a circular formation.  The structure covered a fire pit and two trash pits.  Shards were found indicating tool making.  Also found were eighteen projectile points, some fragments of projectile points, 148 pieces of ceramic pottery, and seven rim pieces, indicating the advanced cultural of the Early Woodland people. 

Radiocarbon dating of wood samples taken from the mound indicate it was constructed between 55 and 510 A.D.  The roving bands of Early Woodland people in the late Archaic culture would have traveled through the township. They would have remained only long enough to complete the unknown ceremony of the mound, do some hunting, make some tools, and treat animal skins. 

Artifacts taken from the mound are now held by the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus.