Phantasmagoria Photography Prints 
Instantaneous Photographs of Things Unseen
Captured and processed by S.M. McClure
 
The Grave Creek Mound. Native American burial mound across the street from the West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville, WV.
 
History:
The Grave Creek Mound, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, is one of the largest and most well-preserved Adena culture burial mounds in North America. It stands across the street from the West Virginia Penitentiary, a stark contrast between ancient and modern history.
 
The mound was constructed by the Adena people, a prehistoric Native American culture that thrived in the Ohio Valley from around 1000 BCE to 200 CE. Built over multiple generations, the mound is estimated to have been completed around 250–150 BCE. It originally stood 69 feet high with a base diameter of 295 feet, making it one of the most impressive earthen structures of its kind.
The Adena used the mound as a burial site, with multiple layers of earth and stone encasing tombs. Excavations in the 19th century revealed skeletal remains, along with burial artifacts such as copper bracelets, shell beads, and mica ornaments.
 
In 1838, local entrepreneurs Jesse and Abelard Tomlinson excavated the mound, discovering two burial chambers and various artifacts. Unfortunately, their excavation methods were crude, leading to damage and the loss of valuable archaeological context.
 
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area around the mound was developed, and at one point, a hotel was even constructed on top of it. This structure was later removed to preserve the historical integrity of the site.
 
The Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex now protects and interprets the site. The adjacent Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Museum provides insight into the Adena culture and the broader prehistoric history of the region. The site is designated as a National Historic Landmark, ensuring its preservation.
Today, the mound remains a focal point of Moundsville, a town named after this very structure. It serves as a reminder of the deep and complex history of the region—one that predates both the infamous West Virginia Penitentiary and European settlement by over a thousand years.
 
Many believe that this burial mound is partially responsible for the hauntings experienced at the West Virginia Penitentiary across the street.