2023: RADER RECALLS INDIAN MOUND HIGH ABOVE LITTLE KANAWHA RIVER, RE-DISCOVERED

(05/21/2024)
Herbert Gene Rader, 83, died May, 2024, among the last remaining People of Place of Annamoriah, Little Kanawha River

The mound rests in the middle of flat meadow
above the Little Kanawha River, Silas Frame
examines entry hole from 60 years ago

By Bob Weaver 2023

A long forgotten Native Indian Mound has been re-discovered on a hill meadow above the Little Kanawha River near Annamoriah.

The mound is on land of the Petit-Rader family, connected to the location since the late 1800s. It is about 25 feet across and six feet high.

Seventy-nine-year old Herb Rader and his sister Lorena Rader McKown, 85, recalls talk of the mound going back to the 1800.

Lorena Rader McKnown and brother Herb
Rader recalls early discovery in 1800s

"Someone came on the property and dug into the mound about 60 years ago and likely removed some remains and artifacts," said Herb Rader. "It seems like they knew what they were doing. We've never learned anymore about it."

A six foot wide hole a few feet deep in the middle of the mound is evidence.

The Petit family once lived near on the ridge, while the Petit-Rader family built a homestead in the nearby valley along the Little Kanawha River near the Annamoriah Ferry, now with a modern bridge.

The Raders operated the ferry for many years with a nearby store.

Herb Rader said he wasn't a person who would dig into grave sites, echoing the comments of Calhoun resident Ralph Carpenter after state archeologists who inspected his the site years ago.

He challenged them by saying, "When you allow me to dig up your mother, I'll think about it.

The mound remains in the center of the Carpenter garden.