Adams County, County administration center in West Union, Ohio, United States.
Adams County is a rural county in southern Ohio with rolling hills, thick forests, and farmland throughout its landscape. The area centers on West Union, the county seat, and includes several small communities spread across the region.
The county was founded in 1797 and named after President John Adams. Its early development was tied to agriculture and the iron ore deposits found in the region.
The Great Serpent Mound, an earthen ridge shaped like a serpent, reflects the engineering skills and astronomical knowledge of indigenous people who built it long ago. Visitors can see the full form from ground level and appreciate the precision of this ancient construction.
West Union is the main town and serves as the center for county services and information. The Great Serpent Mound is well-marked and easy to visit, especially during warmer months when the paths are clear.
The Great Serpent Mound remained a mystery for centuries regarding who built it and why. Modern research suggests it may have marked astronomical events or held spiritual significance for those who created it.
Location: Ohio
Inception: July 10, 1797
Capital city: West Union
Reference: ADA
Shares border with: Highland County, Pike County, Scioto County, Lewis County, Mason County, Brown County
Website: https://adamscountyoh.gov
GPS coordinates: 38.84000,-83.48000
Latest update: December 20, 2025 00:23
Serpent Mound
21.1 km
Serpent Mound crater
22.6 km
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
19.1 km
Adams Lake State Park
5 km
Serpent Mound State Memorial
21.1 km
Union Monument in Vanceburg
30.2 km
Adams County Paleo-Indian District
30 km
Adams County Courthouse
7.5 kmBrush Creek State Forest
21.8 km
Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve
8.2 kmEdge of Appalachia Preserve
9.9 km
Cabin Creek Covered Bridge
28.5 km
Harshaville Covered Bridge
9.4 km
Buckeye Station
15.8 km
Kirker Covered Bridge
12.4 km
Sutton House
19.2 km
Peebles
14 km
The Bentonville Anti-Horse Thief Society
15.1 km
Serpent Mound
21 kmLaycocks Farm Pond Number Two
8.5 kmMineral Springs Lake
13.1 kmDodge Pond
9.7 kmLaycocks Farm Pond Number One
8.1 kmWinchester Lake
20.1 kmMurphin Point
6.1 kmHill Top
19.4 kmStatue, Work of art
7 kmCedar Falls
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