Madisonville Site

Madisonville Site is an archaeological location along the Little Miami River in Mariemont that preserves remains of pre-colonial Native American settlements. The land holds artifacts, burial areas, and structures across several acres, offering evidence of how people lived in this region centuries ago.

Harvard University researchers conducted major excavations from 1879 to 1911, uncovering important evidence of Fort Ancient culture communities. These early scientific investigations established much of what we know about these ancient settlements today.

The site contains burial grounds, storage areas, and living spaces that show how Native American communities organized themselves between 1450 and 1670. These physical remains help visitors understand the daily patterns and social structure of people who lived here.

The site is located along the Little Miami River on the south side of the Mariemont Swimming Pool parking area. The terrain remains in a natural state, so visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for uneven ground.

Glass beads and iron kettle pieces discovered here reveal early trade between Native Americans and European merchants. These objects stand out as rare evidence of initial contact between two very different worlds.