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Jim Kompanek
Introduction
Between 100 BC and 500 AD, the Newark Earthworks were the largest geometric mounds constructed by the Hopewell people. The two largest remaining portions of the earthworks include a circle, which encompass approximately 20 acres, and the octagon which contains over 50 acres. Unfortunately, through time much of the mound complex has been lost due to time and development, with two segments surviving intact, one to the west which provides obstacles to a modern golf course, and to the east which is within the confines of a state park. Smaller, isolated segments are visible throughout the city in vacant lots and between property lines. Luckily, the earthworks were surveyed multiple times, for various purposes, in the eighteenth century (Figures 1 and 2).
Figures 1 and 2. Nineteenth century schematic maps of the Newark Earthworks (Squier and Davis 1848).
Proposal
I would like to further examine the mound complex, specifically by looking at what has been lost to development. This can be accomplished by georeferencing and digitizing the historic maps based on modern aerial imagery for the large, remaining portions of the earthworks, and by collecting ground coordinates of isolated mound segments with a survey grade GPS device. The historic maps of the mound complex varied between surveys and, as such, must be taken with a grain of salt (note the differences between Figures 1 and 2). A symbolization scheme can be developed to demonstrate the uncertainty of the location of destroyed portions of the earthworks, based on the variation of the historic maps, and assumptions made for control points when georeferencing. What is visible on DOQQ or can visually confirmed on the ground will act as the control portions of the map. Figures 3 and 4 show the results of a hastily georeferenced and digitized historic map based on the locations of surviving portions of the mound.
Figures 3 and 4. Modern DOQQ of Newark, Ohio (left) and Modern DOQQ of Newark, Ohio with a roughly digitized earthwork boundaries based on historic maps.
This project will be geared towards anyone with an interest in Ohio prehistory and to those concerned about what has already been lost due to development. The primary source for historic maps will be a reproduction of Squier and Davis (1848) and Wyrick's maps obtainable from the Ohio History website (www.ohiohistory.org). Modern data sources can include the Seamless USGS site (seamless.usgs.gov), the Licking County, Ohio GIS Downloads (http://www.lcounty.com/gis), and the Ohio Metadata Explorer (http://metadataexplorer.gis.state.oh.us/metadataexplorer/explorer.jsp).
References
Squier, E.G. and E.H. Davis
1848 Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. Contribution to Knowledge Series, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC.
This document is published in fulfillment of an assignment by a student enrolled in an educational offering of The Pennsylvania State University. The student, named above, retains all rights to the document and responsibility for its accuracy and originality.
