Ancient Peoples

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Ancient Peoples

Chances are you will have one: If you are a farmer: If you have lived on the land in Auglaize County: If your people have lived here for generations. Or if you go to any historical museum in Auglaize County you will find them too. What am I referring to? A collection if Indian artifacts. Arrow heads, stone tools and implements are commonly found here because this was the land of ancient people.

Auglaize County land was previously occupied by American Indians and these collections tell their story. These collections tell us where people lived, what they ate, and how they got their food. They tell us the type of work they did, how they worshiped and even how they decorated their bodies.

There are many collections of Indian artifacts in Auglaize County because farming practices regularly churn artifacts up to the surface where they can be seen. Spring is an excellent time to look for stone implements. The best place to look is where the sod is gone and the soil is disturbed. To get started we need a tilled field that had not been seeded and permission from the land owner. The best time to go looking is after a good rain. This will help expose even the smallest artifact. Finally, for this muddy adventure I recommend boots.

What to look for? Arrow heads are the most recognized shape but I like to examine all stones large and small for clues of their original use. Chert flakes are small finger nail sized chips that came from making flint tools and look more like dark glass than the rough stone commonly found in our soils. Examine large and small stones for unnatural shapes. Look for a surface rubbed smooth from grinding grain or notched to make a mallet. Long thin flint drill points or flat rocks with holes drilled into them have also been found.

To learn more about Ohio Archaeology join us on Thursday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., American Legion Hall in New Knoxville. Brad Lepper, archaeologist for the Ohio Historical Society, will speak on Ohio Archaeology.   His program will focus on pre historic times. The Heritage Trails Park District, Auglaize County Historical Society, and New Knoxville Historical Society have collaborated to host this presentation. Question and answer session and refreshments will follow the presentation.  The event is free and open to the public.
Allison Brady, Executive Director
Heritage Trails Park District of Auglaize County