Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve

Fort Ancient is a series of earthen embankments that extend for more than three-and-a-half miles around a high bluff along the Little Miami River in Warren County, Ohio. It was built by the Hopewell culture between 100 B.C. and A.D. 400.

Although it is called a "fort," it probably never served as a defensive work. Ditches are located inside the walls rather than outside as might be expected if it was an actual fort. Also, there are more than 60 gateways in the enclosure, which would have made it difficult to defend against enemies.

Fort Ancient is a National Historic Landmark and is being considered for nomination for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The site offers beautiful vistas along hiking trails as well as the remains of the marvelous ancient earthworks. Convenient picnic areas can be found along the road at the site.

The Museum at Fort Ancient contains 9,000 sq. ft. of exhibits, including many interactive units, focusing on 15,000 years of American Indian history in the Ohio Valley.