The Native American Dwelling Site Found Near Cleveland Is A Historical Wonder
By Nikki Rhoades|Published July 03, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Believe it or not, Greater Cleveland abounds with evidence of early Native American activity. Indigenous tribes are said to have built long-gone mounds right in our now-developed city, but locals tend to be rather unaware of what life in our area was like just a few thousand years ago. Nonetheless, these ancient peoples left evidence of their daily lives right under our feet… perhaps even under where you are right now. You may be surprised to learn that they left evidence of their presence throughout areas that are now parkland, including one spectacular reservation in Sheffield Village.
You may not have ever heard of French Creek Reservation, but its stunning property is one you simply must see.
With 4.5 miles of trails, three stunning creeks, and a superabundance of flora and fauna, it's no wonder French Creek Reservation has obtained an ever-growing fan club over the years. However, its forested expanse hides secrets that you won't believe.
Across its 450 acres, you'll find pockets of nature that have flourished for centuries, a fact that's evidenced by a number of old trees.
While parts of the reservation have been replanted by the Lorain County Metro Parks, much of it is pristine and has remained untouched for over a century. Hikers adore traversing through these starkly different landscapes, earning the park a reputation as a coveted hiking destination.
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While the area is famous for preserving stunning expanses of nature, French Creek Reservation is also a rich archaeological site.
Since the 1970s, archaeologists have been unearthing evidence of pre-Columbian habitation. Until recent years, they uncovered small artifacts like arrowheads and pottery. The site has been considered significant for years, but each passing season unveils new discoveries.
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Here you'll find the Burrell Homestead, a site that once hosted an ancient culture and continues to reveal its artifacts.
The Burrell Orchard site, as it is known, is frequented by archaeologists in the warmer months. However, in 2014, researchers found evidence of a clay dwelling that has completely transformed our understanding of early regional residents.
While the site was once thought to be a temporary campground used by an indigenous hunter-gatherer culture, recent excavations have revealed a 4,000-year-old homestead.
It is now understood that early inhabitants built their homes on the edges of the reservation's ravines to protect themselves from the threat of invading tribes and for easy access to natural resources. These early peoples are thought to have been agricultural as well, having hunted animals like bears and elk and growing gardened goods like maize and sunflowers.
There's nowhere in Ohio quite as archaeologically rich as this site, and it offers a unique glimpse back in time.
The firm, clay floors of this ancient village have proven to be goldmines of artifacts and treasure. Experts have uncovered evidence suggesting that domestic and spiritual occurrences were carried out right at this site; a discovery that has presented a unique understanding of pre-Columbian culture in what is now Greater Cleveland.
While this park has a rich historical significance, you'll also enjoy reconvening with nature in its stunning expanse.
For a truly memorable visit, be sure to visit the shores of Fish Creek, Sugar Creek, or French Creek. You can also swing by the French Creek Nature Center to see if there are any public events taking place.
The opportunity to learn about Ohio's not-so-distance past in abundant at this unique park near Cleveland.
It truly is amazing to consider the role that area parks play in education. Have you ever visited this stunning reservation in Sheffield Village? Were you surprised to learn that this park hides such an important Native American site?
