"Randall was known far and wide as the leading authority upon the Mound Builders...Randall's more important writings on archaeology include The Serpent Mound, Adams County, Ohio." - In Memoriam, Emilius Oviatt Randall Born October 28, 1850, Died December 18, 1919 (1920)

"A few days ago Professor Randall returned...and after a thorough examination, pronounced the mound the work of a prehistoric people." -Chillicothe Gazette, Oct. 3, 1908

"One of the most curious and interesting of all the monuments left by the Mound Builders...E.O. Randall...finds recreation in pursuing archaeological researches and has published a valuable monograph on this...relique." -Pittsburgh Daily Post, May 3, 1906

"Randall discusses at much length the possible significance of the form of the mounds. The serpent was an object of worship by many ancient nations." -Midland Journal, Aug. 17, 1906

What mysterious prehistoric race of people does 19th century Ohio archaeologist argue were responsible for creating the iconic Serpent Mound effigy mound in Ohio?

In 1905, archaeologist Emilius Oviatt Randall (1850-1919) would publish "The Serpent Mound, Adams County, Ohio" answering this question about the origins of the Serpent Mound.

In introducing his book, Randall explains that "among all the monuments, curious, vast and inexplicable left by the Mound Builders the Serpent Mound is the most mysterious and awe-inspiring."

The Great Serpent Mound is a 1,348-foot-long three-foot-high prehistoric effigy mound on a plateau of the Serpent Mound crater along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio. Maintained within a park by Ohio History Connection, it has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of Interior. The Serpent Mound of Ohio was first reported from surveys by Ephraim Squier and Edwin Davis in their historic volume Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, published in 1848 by the newly founded Smithsonian Museum. The Serpent Mound is the largest serpent effigy in the world.

About the author:

Emilius Oviatt Randall was born October 28, 1850, and died December 18, 1919. In 1895, he was appointed official reporter of the supreme court of Ohio. He served as a member of the Columbus board of education, 1887-89; president of the Columbus Board of Trade 1889, and trustee of the Columbus Public Library from 1887 to the time of his death. In February, 1893, Mr. Randall was appointed, by Governor McKinley, a trustee of The Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society. To that office he was reappointed successively by Governors Bushnell, Nash, Herrick, Harris, Harmon, and Cox. He was secretary of the society and editor of its publications since 1894; edited twenty-eight volumes issued by the society; and in addition wrote various published monographs for the society, including Blennerhassett, The Zoar Society, The Serpent Mound, The Ohio Mound Builders, Ohio in the American Revolution, etc. No one has been more zealous or effective in promoting the progress of the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society.