DeAgostini/Getty Images
We tend to think of the United States as the home of all things bright, shiny and new, not a land of ancient cultures and archaeological sites that fascinate history buffs and experts alike.
That’s what happens when one operates on assumptions and misinformation, instead of truths and cold, hard facts – we end up with metaphorical egg on our faces.
In fact, there are several places in America that rival some of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and Rome. Sites that are truly ancient.
Sites that date back thousands of years. Sites that continue to offer insights and valuable information to the folks who study America’s geographic development, as well as the country’s Native populations who lived there long before Columbus crossed the Atlantic from Europe.
By Mike Ryan, OCJ field reporter
Scattered across southern Ohio are many American Indian archaeological sites of great significance. Taking the form of earthworks, mounds, and effigies, these sites bear witness to the last physical remnants of the Hopewell people, whose culture emerged and thrived in Ohio and other parts of eastern North America from 200 BC to 500 AD, at the beginning of what is called the Middle Woodland period. The moniker Hopewell does not refer to a specific tribe, but rather a culture that is linked through shared artifacts (often found at and in their earthworks) and a shared way of life that developed across the Midwest at the same time.
The Associated Press
FILE - This undated image shows a view of Serpent Mound in Pleasant Hill, Ohio. The location is featured in a collection of mini-essays by American writers published online by the Frommer s guidebook company about places they believe helped shape and define America. (The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP, File)
Sixteen notable writers have created a combined list of places that they believe helped shape and define America, from coastal Oregon and Solvang, California, to Ellis Island and New Hampshire’s Black Heritage Trail.
The collection of mini-essays, including contributions from memoirist Cheryl Strayed, novelist Jodi Picoult, humorist David Sedaris and activist Gloria Steinem, was organized by Frommer’s, the travel guidebook company. The collection can be read for free online.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
Dec 31, 2020 6:38 AM
UNDATED (AP)- If 2020 had been a normal year, travel experts would be offering year-end lists of great vacation spots for 2021 right now. But Frommer’s travel guidebook company says that felt irresponsible during the pandemic. Instead they invited 16 notable writers to describe places they think have helped shape and define America. Selections range from Gloria Steinem writing about Serpent Mound Historical Site in Ohio to Jodi Picoult on the Black Heritage Trail in New Hampshire. David Sedaris describes the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City and Cheryl Strayed writes about the Oregon coast. The collection can be read free online at Frommers.
Best-selling writers laud American places in new guide salemnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from salemnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.