8 Things Archaeologists Discovered In Kentucky That May Surprise You

The Bluegrass State is known not only for its beauty, but also for its rich history and rare collection of artifacts. There is likely not a plot of land anywhere in Kentucky where an arrowhead, bead, archaic tool, or old bone hasn’t been found. We are not the first people to fall in love with this part of the country and will likely not be the last! Here are some ancient artifacts and burial sites founds in Kentucky:

1. Adena Mounds

dena mounds and earthworks are scattered across central Kentucky's Bluegrass region; however, these people kept no written records. Bourbon County is home to large circular village/mounds, each having a personal plaza. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places under Adena and date back to 1200-1400 CE.

2. Baker's

In beautiful Muhlenberg County, a burial mound was found with four humans, two dogs, 55 stone tools, and over 44 artifacts. It is believed to be from the Middle Archaic Period, making it one of the more fascinating ruins in Kentucky.

3. Franklin Giants

In Kentucky, a so-called giant over nine feet tall was found in a burial mound on a farm 12 feet beneath the surface. There were copper bands around the neck and the skull fit over top of a normal head with extra space, making it one of the most fascinating archaeological finds in Kentucky.

4. Kentucky Giants

Similarly, in a cave near Louisville, Kentucky, two men claimed to have discovered three different skeletons, which they believed to be "Kentucky giants." Each of these measured over 9 feet tall, making for a baffling and extraordinary discovery.

5. Green River Shell Middens

These ancient pits of archaic waste are located all along the Green River and hold skeletal remains, food, and human waste, along with other things. The area covers Muhlenberg, Henderson, Butler, Ohio, and McLean Counties in Kentucky.

6. Indian Knoll

This ancient community in Paradise, Kentucky, is home to over 1,200 burials, along with hearths, pottery, projectiles, and over 65,000 artifacts that are a staggering 5,300 years old.

7. Roundhill Mound

This ancient burial mound in Richmond has been attributed to the Adena Culture in Kentucky.

8. Holly Creek

A rock ledge along the eastern central area of this Kentucky Creek held the remains of an 8’ 9" skeleton, causing more rumors of the infamous (you guessed it) Kentucky giants to swirl.

Kentucky has burial mounds in almost every county, some more prominent then others. Many have been destroyed over the years due to residential development. If you know of any unusual archaeological discoveries or ancient Kentucky artifacts, please comment below!