What is Sunwatch Indian Village?

Sunwatch Indian Village is a living history museum located in a rural area of Ohio just north of Cincinnati. The village was established in 1868 by a group of Native Americans from the Wyandot tribe; the founders were seeking to build a new community where they could live in peace and safety. The village was a settlement built by and for Native Americans, and it operated in accordance with the principles of their culture. The main part of the property is a small village with a few original buildings, a church, and a cemetery. Visitors can wander around the village, visiting the settlement’s buildings and grounds. The main buildings are a hotel and a general store, and the church building is still in use.

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How was Sunwatch built and why?

Per the town’s website, the founders of Sunwatch focused on the three main principles of the settlement: hospitality, unity, and preservation of Native American culture. They used the hotel building to host visitors, including other Native Americans from other tribes, as well as members of other ethnic groups. The Native Americans in the settlement were able to learn each other’s customs and develop a sense of unity because they were all of Native American descent. The founders also wanted to make sure their new home preserved Native American culture. This meant building the village with materials that were common to that region, including building materials and furniture that were local to the area. The structures were also built to be sturdy and well-built; the founders wanted to ensure the buildings would last for many decades to come.

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Where to visit in Sunwatch Indian Village

There are several points of interest in Sunwatch Indian Village worth visiting. The first is the main village itself; visitors can wander around the buildings and explore the grounds. The hotel building is a popular place to visit, as are the cemetery and the church. Some of the other buildings include the general store, the school, and the barn. There are also a few other areas of interest nearby, including the Wyandot Mound and the Wyandot Indian Mound. The Wyandot Mound is just a few miles away and is another site that’s worth visiting if you have time to drive around. The Wyandot Indian Mound is another ancient Native American site that was built about the same time as Sunwatch Indian Village.

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Conclusion

Sunwatch Indian Village is one of the oldest living communities in Ohio. Located just outside of Cincinnati, Sunwatch was established in 1868 by a group of Native Americans from the Wyandot tribe. They came together to build their new community, which was intended to serve as a place where members of various tribes could live in peace and safety. Today, visitors can explore the village at several points throughout the year for varying periods of time. This is a fascinating settlement steeped in history with many original buildings, and it’s worth visiting as long as you have time available.

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