Ancient Adena Mounds

Historical Marker #921 in Ashland's Central Park commemorates the presence of six ancient Native American mounds, believed to be constructed by the Adena Culture, which spanned from around 500 B.C. to 100 A.D. The mounds, which served as burial, ceremonial, and historical landmarks, were created by layering deceased members of the group on top of each other over time, often accompanied by ceremonial items and tools. Northeastern Kentucky, including present-day Ashland, once contained numerous mounds along the Ohio River, with Ashland being noted for its rich prehistoric occupation. Sadly, many of Ashland's mounds have been lost to development projects over the years. The remaining mounds in Central Park, each about twenty feet in diameter and six feet high, stand as testament to the Native American culture that thrived in the region long before the arrival of settlers.