Archeological study of the Ohio Hopewell Culture has emphasized excavation of mounds and earthwork sites. This emphasis on the study of mortuary and ceremonial components of this culture has left many questions about the habitation patterns, settlements, and daily lifeways of the Hopewell people. In 1994, the National Park Service (NPS) through the Midwest Archeological Center initiated a five-year study at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park (NHP) aimed at producing signficant new information about Hopewellian lifeways and settlement patterns.i

In 1994, a field crew from the Midwest Archeological Center conducted geophysical surveys and limited test excavations at the Hopeton Earthworks. The research was conducted on a triangular-shaped tract of land near the southwest margin of the National Historical Landmark.

The research had two goals. First, we used geophysical survey techniques to locate and map the parallel walls recorded by Squier and Davis in the mid-19th century. The walls were visible on aerial photogaphs through the 1970s. Second, we hoped to find evidence of settlement occupation associated with the Earthwork in this area.

The Center intended to continue investigations in this area in 1995 until the staff at Hopewell Culture NHP learned that the Chillicothe Sand and Gravel Company planned to expand its quarry operation northward. Surface examination of this area revealed the presence of potential Middle Woodland settlement sites. With this area threatened by quarry activities, we decided to shift research activities to the area known as the Overly site.

Research at the Overly site in 1995 was sponsored by the NPS and was conducted by Ohio State University under the direction of Dr. William Dancey. Research at the Overly site continued in 1996 under direction of Hopewell Culture NHP Archeologist Dr. Bret Ruby, who also directed excavation of a small section of the earthworks. In 1997, Dr. Ruby directed investigations near the large earthwork square in an area that appeared to exhibit surface evidence of Middle Woodland settlement.

From September 22 through 26, 1997, the Center sponsored further geophysical surveys to determine whether evidence of the parallel walls were present. These surveys were also conducted to identify anomalies representing habitation features associated with prehistoric domestic activities.

The work was conducted by Mark Lynott, John Weymouth, Bret Ruby, N'omi Greber, Steven De Vore, Deborah Wood, Forest Frost, and Phil Wanyerka (Figure 3). The team used a cesium magnetometer, fluxgate magnetometer, and an RM-15 resistance meter. Twenty-eight 20-m by 20-m contiguous blocks were surveyed using various instruments. This represents the largest geophysical survey database ever collected on an archeological site in Ohio, and one of the largest ever collected in the eastern U. S.

Data from the 1997 geophysical surveys will be used to direct excavations in this area in 1998. The 1998 study will include trench excavations to seek evidence of the parallel walls and to learn how they were constructed. We are also hoping to find datable material to determine when the walls were constructed. In the area adjacent to the parallel walls, excavations will focus on identifying subsurface features associated with prehistoric habitation. Features will be sampled to collect data on food and other remains, including materials for radiocarbon dating.

The 1998 research will be conducted by archeologists from the Midwest Archeological Center and Hopewell Culture NHP and students, teachers and volunteers from the Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and the Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska. The project will be conducted from July 13 through July 24, 1998. An evening speakers program about this project will be open to the public.