A Fascinating And Historic Earthwork In Virginia

Virginia is filled with fascinating points of interest that serve as important reminders that humans have inhabited these lands long before the arrival of colonial explorers. One prime example is Ely Mound, a unique earthwork in Virginia. This ancient burial mound is believed to have been created between the timeframe of 1200–1650 A.D. A couple of excavations have been performed on the site; however, there is much about the mound that remains a mystery. What is certain, however, is its significance in the story of Virginia. Here’s more on this fascinating landmark that relatively few people know about.


This scenic mountain town has a population of fewer than 1,000 residents.



At that time, the mound measured 300 feet in circumference and 19 feet in height. Items that were unearthed included skeletons, pottery, and arrowheads made of white flint. When one of the workers was digging under the mound, a shaft collapsed, killing the man. The mound remained untouched until a second excavation was conducted in 2019 by the University of Mississippi.
Did you know about this fascinating burial mound and earthwork in Virginia? Have you ever seen it? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, check out these incredible trails that lead to historical sites in Virginia.
Address: Rose Hill, VA 24281, USA