Octogon Earthworks, Newark Earthworks

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Octogon Earthworks, Newark Earthworks

The Octagon Earthworks are part of the Newark Earthworks complex of prehistoric Indians earthworks, originally one of the most extensive earthworks of its kind in the country.

Enclosing 50 acres, the Octagon Earthworks are joined by parallel walls to a circular embankment enclosing 20 acres. Within the octagon, opposite the openings are small mounds. The Octagon Earthworks were built by the Hopewell culture(100 BC-AD 500) and were probably used for ceremonial, social, and religious purposes.

The other two remaining earthworks in the Newark Earthworks are the Great Circle and Wright Earthworks. A museum about the Newark Earthworks is located at the Great Circle. Visitors are invited to watch an interactive video explaining the significance of the site and tour a 1,000-square-foot exhibit that includes a timeline of Ohio's ancient cultures and an explanation of why American Indians regard the Newark Earthworks as a sacred site. The exhibit also details how the earthworks align with the rising and setting of the moon.

At present the Octagon Earthworks is also the site of the Moundbuilders Country Club golf course. Use care in viewing them. Guidelines are posted at the site. There is a viewing platform near the parking lot. For more information, or to arrange tours, contact the Newark Earthworks State Memorial at (800) 600-7178.

Address

Newark Earthworks/The Octagon
125 North 33rd Street

Newark, Ohio 43055

Phone Number(s)

Toll-Free: 800.840.6127

E-mail Address(es)

General Information: communications@ohiohistory.org

Hours

Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Special Hours: Limited access. See website for details.