Fort Ancient changed greatly over the last 2,000 years. Hopewell Indians built the site and used it as a ceremonial and social gathering area from 100BC to AD500. The Fort Ancient Indians inhabited the South Fort area from AD900 to AD1600, 500 years after the Hopewell people left, and there is no evidence that they used the Middle or North Fort areas. About 1798, the Chillicothe-Lebanon turnpike was built through the site. In 1809, the site was first reported and surveyed and was published in Port Folio magazine. From 1810 to 1880, it underwent several surveys and examinations. From 1881 to 1889, Warren K. Moorehead conducted the first systematic excavation. In 1891, the state purchased Fort Ancient to be operated by the Ohio Historical Society. From 1893 to 1936, the Anderson Village site was excavated by Clifford Anderson. In 1908, portions were excavated by William C. Mills. In 1920, the first museum opened near the Little Miami River. From 1932 to 1936, the site served as a Civilian Conservation Corps base camp and the earthworks were renovated. From 1939 to 1940, portions were excavated by Richard Morgan. In 1968, a second museum was dedicated. From 1982 to 1991, portions were excavated by Patricia Essenpreis, and from 1987 to 1996, portions were excavated by Robert Connolly. In 1998, a new museum was dedicated.