Adena Sun Temple at New Castle, Indiana - Winter Solstice Alignment

Adena Sun Temple at New Castle, Indiana - Winter Solstice Alignment

Sun Temple (Henge) located in Henry County, Indiana has a gateway aligned to the winter solstice sunrise.

This small isolated henge was constructed so that the gateway would align to the Winter Solstice sunrise.  This sun temple is located about 5 miles south of the larger Sun Temple complex, north of New Castle. A large hole is evident in the center of the enclosure that was the result of Ball State archaeologists.

Historic Henry County, 1820-1849, Vol. I, by Herbert L. Heller

Another Adena enclosure still remains in the city of New Castle. This is found at the west edge of Baker Park on S. Main St., immediately east of the Chrysler High School. Although its original use is problematical it is generally considered this type of enclosure was of ceremonial usage. It is an excellent example of the work of the Adena Culture although not as large as similar mounds found in the Mounds State Park in Anderson. New Castle and Henry County residents will do well to see that these works of the earliest residents are preserved for future generations.

Winter Solstice Sunset Alignment at Marietta Sacred Via

Winter Solstice Sunset Alignment at Marietta Sacred Via

The graded way or sacred via extended from the enclosure to the second terrace of the river. The sacred via was constructed to align to the Winter Solstice sunset.

At Marietta the graded ways leads from the second terrace up to the third terrace, and connects the enclosure and the three temple platforms with the river, thus giving the impression that they were used for religious purposes.