Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis 2292 downloads.pdf

The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ancient Monuments of
the Mississippi Valley

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.

Title: Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley

Author: E. G. Squier
E. H. Davis

Release date: August 10, 2015 [eBook #49668]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024

Language: English

Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49668

Credits: Produced by Charlene Taylor, Robert Shimmin, RichardW,
and
the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
http://www.pgdp.net

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANCIENT
MONUMENTS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ***

to toc to preface to transcriber notes

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE. VOL. I.
ANCIENT MONUMENTS OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.

Ancient Works, Marietta, Ohio.

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS
TO KNOWLEDGE.
VOL. I.

EVERY MAN IS A VALUABLE MEMBER OF SOCIETY, WHO, BY HIS OBSERVATIONS,
RESEARCHES, AND EXPERIMENTS, PROCURES KNOWLEDGE FOR MEN.—S MITHSON.

CITY OF WASHINGTON:
PUBLISHED BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
MDCCCXLVIII.

PRINTED BY EDWARD O. JENKINS,
114 Nassau street, New York.

FROM THE SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE.

ANCIENT MONUMENTS
OF
THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.
BY
E. G. SQUIER, A.M., AND E. H. DAVIS, M.D.

EVERY MAN IS A VALUABLE MEMBER OF SOCIETY, WHO, BY HIS OBSERVATIONS,
RESEARCHES, AND EXPERIMENTS, PROCURES KNOWLEDGE FOR MEN.—S MITHSON.

PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHORS.

NEW-YORK:
BARTLETT & WELFORD, 7 ASTOR HOUSE.
CINCINNATI:
J. A. & U. P. JAMES, WALNUT STREET.
MDCCCXLVIII.

PRINTED BY EDWARD O. JENKINS,
114 Nassau street, New York.

ADVERTISEMENT.

This volume is intended to form the first of a series of volumes,
consisting of original memoirs on different branches of knowledge
published at the expense, and under the direction of the Smithsonian
Institution. The publication of this series forms part of a general plan
adopted for carrying into effect the benevolent intentions of J AMES
S MITHSON, Esq., of England. This gentleman left his property in trust to the
United States of America, to found at Washington an institution which
should bear his own name, and have for its objects “the increase and
diffusion of knowledge among men.” This trust was accepted by the
Government of the United States, and an Act of Congress was passed
August 10th, 1846, constituting the President and the other principal
executive officers of the general government, the Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court, the Mayor of Washington, and such other persons as they
might elect honorary members, an establishment under the name of the “
S MITHSONIAN I NSTITUTION, FOR THE INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF
KNOWLEDGE AMONG MEN.” The members and honorary members of this
establishment are to hold stated and special meetings for the supervision of
the affairs of the Institution, and for the advice and instruction of a Board of
Regents, to whom the financial and other affairs are entrusted.
The Board of Regents consists of three members ex officio of the
establishment, namely, the Vice President of the United States, the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Mayor of Washington, together with
twelve other members, three of whom are appointed by the Senate from its
own body, three by the House of Representatives from its members, and six

citizens appointed by a joint resolution of both houses. To this board is
given the power of electing a Secretary and other officers, for conducting
the active operations of the Institution.
To carry into effect the purposes of the testator, the plan of organization
should evidently embrace two objects,—one, the increase of knowledge by
the addition of new truths to the existing stock; the other, the diffusion of
knowledge thus increased, among men. No restriction is made in favor of
any kind of knowledge, and hence each branch is entitled to and should
receive a share of attention.
The Act of Congress, establishing the Institution, directs, as a part of the
plan of organization, the formation of a Library, a Museum, and a Gallery
of Art, together with provisions for physical research and popular lectures,
while it leaves to the Regents the power of adopting such other parts of an
organization as they may deem best suited to promote the objects of the
bequest.
After much deliberation, the Regents resolved to divide the annual
income, thirty thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars, into two equal parts,
—one part to be devoted to the increase and diffusion of knowledge by
means of original research and publications,—the other half of the income
to be applied in accordance with the requirements of the Act of Congress, to
the gradual formation of a Library, a Museum, and a Gallery of Art.

The following are the details of the two parts of the general plan of
organization provisionally adopted at the meeting of the Regents, Dec. 8th,
1847.
DETAILS OF THE FIRST PART OF THE PLAN.
I. T O INCREASE KNOWLEDGE. —It is proposed to stimulate research, by offering rewards,
consisting of money, medals, etc., for original memoirs on all subjects of investigation.
1. The memoirs thus obtained to be published in a series of volumes, in a quarto form, and
entitled “Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.”
2. No memoir, on subjects of physical science, to be accepted for publication, which does
not furnish a positive addition to human knowledge, resting on original research; and all
unverified speculations to be rejected.
3. Each memoir presented to the Institution to be submitted for examination to a
commission of persons of reputation for learning in the branch to which the memoir pertains;
and to be accepted for publication only in case the report of this commission is favorable.
4. The commission to be chosen by the officers of the Institution, and the name of the
author, as far as practicable, concealed, unless a favorable decision be made.
5. The volumes of the memoirs to be exchanged for the Transactions of literary and
scientific societies, and copies to be given to all the colleges, and principal libraries, in this
country. One part of the remaining copies may be offered for sale; and the other carefully
preserved, to form complete sets of the work, to supply the demand from new institutions.
6. An abstract, or popular account, of the contents of these memoirs to be given to the
public through the annual report of the Regents to Congress.
II. T O INCREASE KNOWLEDGE. —It is also proposed to appropriate a portion of the income,
annually, to special objects of research, under the direction of suitable persons.
1. The objects, and the amount appropriated, to be recommended by counsellors of the
Institution.
2. Appropriations in different years to different objects; so that in course of time, each
branch of knowledge may receive a share.
3. The results obtained from these appropriations to be published, with the memoirs before
mentioned, in the volumes of the Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge.
4. Examples of objects for which appropriations may be made:
(1.) System of extended meteorological observations for solving the problem of
American storms.
(2.) Explorations in descriptive natural history, and geological, magnetical, and
topographical surveys, to collect materials for the formation of a Physical Atlas of the
United States.
(3.) Solution of experimental problems, such as a new determination of the weight of the
earth, of the velocity of electricity, and of light; chemical analyses of soils and plants;
collection and publication of articles of science, accumulated in the offices of Government.
(4.) Institution of statistical inquiries with reference to physical, moral, and political
subjects.
(5.) Historical researches, and accurate surveys of places celebrated in American history.
(6.) Ethnological researches, particularly with reference to the different races of men in
North America; also explorations, and accurate surveys, of the mounds and other remains
of the ancient people of our country.

I. T O DIFFUSE KNOWLEDGE. —It is proposed to publish a series of reports, giving an account of
the new discoveries in science, and of the changes made from year to year in all branches of
knowledge not strictly professional.
1. Some of these reports may be published annually, others at longer intervals, as the
income of the Institution or the changes in the branches of knowledge may indicate.
2. The reports are to be prepared by collaborators, eminent in the different branches of
knowledge.
3. Each collaborator to be furnished with the journals and publications, domestic and
foreign, necessary to the compilation of his report; to be paid a certain sum for his labors, and
to be named on the title-page of the report.
4. The reports to be published in separate parts, so that persons interested in a particular
branch, can procure the parts relating to it without purchasing the whole.
5. These reports may be presented to Congress, for partial distribution, the remaining
copies to be given to literary and scientific institutions, and sold to individuals for a moderate
price.
The following are some of the subjects which may be embraced in the reports:
I. PHYSICAL CLASS.
1. Physics, including astronomy, natural philosophy, chemistry, and meteorology.
2. Natural history, including botany, zoology, geology, &c.
3. Agriculture.
4. Application of science to arts.
II. MORAL AND POLITICAL CLASS.
5. Ethnology, including particular history, comparative philology, antiquities, &c.
6. Statistics and political economy.
7. Mental and moral philosophy.
8. A survey of the political events of the world; penal reform, &c.
III. LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS.
9. Modern literature.
10. The fine arts, and their application to the useful arts.
11. Bibliography.
12. Obituary notices of distinguished individuals.
II. T O DIFFUSE KNOWLEDGE. —It is proposed to publish occasionally separate treatises on
subjects of general interest.
1. These treatises may occasionally consist of valuable memoirs translated from foreign
languages, or of articles prepared under the direction of the Institution, or procured by
offering premiums for the best exposition of a given subject.
2. The treatises to be submitted to a commission of competent judges, previous to their
publication.

DETAILS OF THE SECOND PART OF THE PLAN OF ORGANIZATION.
This part contemplates the formation of a Library, a Museum, and a Gallery of Art.
1. To carry out the plan before described, a library will be required, consisting, 1st, of a
complete collection of the transactions and proceedings of all the learned societies in the world;
2d, of the more important current periodical publications, and other works necessary in
preparing the periodical reports.
2. The Institution should make special collections, particularly of objects to verify its own
publications. Also a collection of instruments of research in all branches of experimental

science.
3. With reference to the collection of books, other than those mentioned above, catalogues of
all the different libraries in the United States should be procured, in order that the valuable
books first purchased may be such as are not to be found elsewhere in the United States.
4. Also catalogues of memoirs, and of books in foreign libraries, and other materials, should
be collected for rendering the Institution a centre of bibliographical knowledge, whence the
student may be directed to any work which he may require.
5. It is believed that the collections in natural history will increase by donation as rapidly as
the income of the Institution can make provisions for their reception, and, therefore, it will
seldom be necessary to purchase any articles of this kind.
6. Attempts should be made to procure for the gallery of art casts of the most celebrated
articles of ancient and modern sculpture.
7. The arts may be encouraged by providing a room, free of expense, for the exhibition of the
objects of the Art-Union and other similar societies.
8. A small appropriation should annually be made for models of antiquities, such as those of
the remains of ancient temples, &c.
9. For the present, or until the building is fully completed, only one permanent assistant to the
Secretary will be required, to act as librarian.
10. The Secretary and his assistants, during the session of Congress, will be required to
illustrate new discoveries in science, and to exhibit new objects of art; distinguished individuals
should also be invited to give lectures on subjects of general interest.
11. When the building is completed, and when, in accordance with the Act of Congress, the
charge of the National Museum is given to the Smithsonian Institution, other assistants will be
required.

The first memoir of the proper character presented after the adoption of
the foregoing plan of organization, was the one which occupies the present
volume. It was submitted in accordance with the rule adopted, to a
commission of examination, consisting of a committee of the members of
the American Ethnological Society, and on the favorable report of this
committee and the responsibility of the Society, the memoir was accepted
for publication. The following is the correspondence which took place on
the occasion.
CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.
C HILLICOTHE , O HIO, May 15, 1847.
D EAR S IR:— It is proposed in the recognized plan of organization of the Smithsonian
Institution, of which you are the executive officer, to publish, under the title of “Smithsonian
Contributions to Knowledge ,” such original papers and memoirs “as shall constitute valuable
additions to the sum of human knowledge.” Under the belief that it falls legitimately within the
scope of the above plan, the undersigned herewith submit for acceptance and publication,
subject to the prescribed rules of the Institution, a MS. memoir entitled “A NCIENT
M ONUMENTS OF THE M ISSISSIPPI V ALLEY, comprising the results of Extensive Original
Surveys and Explorations: by E. G. S QUIER and E. H. D AVIS.” The extent of these

investigations, and their general character, are sufficiently indicated in the prefatory remarks to
the volume.
With high consideration, we are truly yours,
E. G. SQUIER,
“J OSEPH H ENRY, Esq., Secretary Smithsonian Institution.
E. H. DAVIS.”

Princeton , June 2, 1847.
“D EAR S IR:— I am authorized by the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, to publish, in the
numbers of the ‘Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge ,’ any memoir which may be
presented for this purpose, provided, that, on a careful examination by a commission of
competent judges, the memoir shall be found to be a new and interesting addition to knowledge,
resting on original research. The accompanying memoir, entitled ‘A NCIENT M ONUMENTS OF
THE M ISSISSIPPI V ALLEY,’ etc. etc., having been presented for publication, I beg leave to refer
the same, through you, to the American Ethnological Society, with the request that a committee
of the members may be appointed to examine and report on the character of the work, with
reference to the particulars above mentioned. If the report of the committee be favorable, the
memoir, without further consideration, will be accepted for publication; full confidence being
placed in the ability of the committee to judge of the article, and in their caution in making up
their opinion.
“I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
“Your ob’t servant,
J OSEPH H ENRY, “Secretary Smithsonian Inst.
“Hon. A LBERT G ALLATIN, President American Ethnological Society.”

“New York , June 12, 1847.
“D EAR S IR:— I have the honor to enclose a copy of the proceedings and resolutions of the
New York Ethnological Society, upon the MS. work on American Antiquities, by Messrs. E. G.
Squier and E. H. Davis, submitted with your letter of the 2d instant.
“I approve entirely of the resolutions and recommendations of the Society. The publication of
Mr. C. Atwater, in the first volume of the Transactions of the American Antiquarian Society of
Worcester, which appeared twenty years ago, is as yet, so far as I know, the only general account
of the antiquarian remains of the West, which is entitled to any credit. Yet, many mistakes have
been discovered in it, and it is very incomplete, and in no degree to be compared to the
extensive researches of the gentlemen above mentioned. What has particularly recommended
their labors to me is their love of truth.
“Such are the combined effects of the fondness for the marvellous, of the illusions of the
imagination, of credulity, thirst of notoriety and lack of discrimination, that, in many specific
statements, and in almost all the general accounts of our Western antiquities, which I have seen,
the most vague and fabulous reports (independent of most groundless theories), and even
flagrant impositions, are so mixed with true accounts, as to render it almost impossible, even for
the American reader, to make the proper discrimination, or arrive at a correct estimate of their
extent or character.
“Whatever may be the intrinsic value of the remains of former times which are found in the
United States, it is necessary that they should at least be correctly described, and that existing
gross errors should be corrected; and I repeat my conviction that, though ardent, Messrs. Squier
and Davis are animated by that thorough love of truth, which renders their researches worthy of
entire confidence.
“Late Ethnological researches have thrown such light on the History of Man, that it is
unnecessary to dwell on their general utility. With respect to those which relate to the Indians of
the United States, I am ready to acknowledge, the field is comparatively barren, and the results
hitherto attained neither satisfactory nor refreshing. Still, with proper caution, important

information may be acquired, on what man, insulated, and without intercourse with other
nations, can, by his solitary efforts, accomplish. In order, however, to attain these results,
considerations, foreign to the immediate object of this letter, are required, which may hereafter
be made the subject of another communication.
“I have the honor to be, &c.
“A LBERT G ALLATIN.
“Professor J. H ENRY, Secretary Smithsonian Institution.”

“At a regular meeting of the American Ethnological Society, held at the house of Hon.
A LBERT G ALLATIN, on the evening of the 4th of June, the President laid before the members a
communication from Professor J. H ENRY, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; transmitting
for the examination and opinion of the Society, a MS. work on the Ancient Monuments of the
Mississippi Valley. On motion, the letter and accompanying MS. were referred to a committee,
consisting of E DWARD R OBINSON, D.D., J OHN R. B ARTLETT, Professor W. W. T URNER,
S AMUEL G. M ORTON, M.D., and Hon. G EORGE P. M ARSH, to report upon the same. At a
subsequent meeting of this Society, the committee submitted the following Report and
Resolutions, which were unanimously accepted and adopted:—

“REPORT.
“The Committee of the American Ethnological Society, to which was referred the
communication of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, transmitting a manuscript work
entitled ‘A NCIENT M ONUMENTS OF THE M ISSISSIPPI V ALLEY; comprising the Results of
Extensive Original Surveys and Explorations , by E. G. S QUIER and E. H. D AVIS,’ beg leave to
report that—
“They have examined the work in question, and regard it not only as a new and interesting,
but an eminently valuable addition to our stock of knowledge on a subject little understood, but
in which is felt a deep and constantly increasing interest, both in our country and abroad. In their
judgment the work is worthy of the subject, and highly creditable to the authors. Its chief
features are, a scientific arrangement, simplicity and directness of statement, and legitimate
deduction of facts, while there is no attempt at mere speculation or theory. If published, it will
be an enduring monument to connect the names of the investigators in honorable and lasting
remembrance with the great subject of American Archæology.
“The existence and progress of these investigations were made known to the Society by
correspondence, early in the year 1846; and in June of that year, specimens of the relics
recovered, accompanied by numerous maps and plans of ancient Earthworks and Sectional
Views of the Mounds from which the remains were taken, were laid before the Society by Mr.
Squier in person. These excited deep interest and surprise in all who saw them; and the Society
immediately took measures to encourage further investigation, and secure the publication, under
its own auspices, of the important results already obtained. A few months later, the chairman of
the present committee, being in Ohio, was enabled, through the kindness of Messrs. Squier and
Davis, to visit several of the more important monuments in the immediate vicinity of
Chillicothe; and among these ‘Mound City,’ so called, from which very many of the minor relics
and specimens were procured. He was struck with the accuracy of the plans and drawings as
well as of the accounts which had been laid before the Society; and bears full testimony to the
fidelity and integrity with which the process of investigation and delineation has been
conducted.
“During the last and present season the researches of these gentlemen have been actively
prosecuted and widely extended, and the above work, largely illustrated, comprising the results,
has been prepared. These results are so numerous and important, and consequently such is the
extent and magnitude of the work itself, as to put its publication beyond any means which the
Society can command. Under these circumstances, your Committee learn with pleasure that
preliminary arrangements have been made for its publication by the Smithsonian Institution,

among its ‘Contributions to Knowledge.’ It can only be a matter of sincere gratification to this
Society, to see that which it cannot itself accomplish for the history and antiquities of our
country, taken up and carried out under such favorable auspices; and they cannot but rejoice that
an opportunity is thus afforded to that noble institution of opening its high career, by fostering
scientific research into the interesting problems connected with the Ante-Columbian history and
Ancient Monuments of our own country.
“In view of these facts, your Committee would recommend the adoption of the following
resolutions by the Society:—
“Resolved, That this Society regard the researches of Messrs. Squier and Davis, as of very
great importance in American Archæology, and as casting much light upon our Aboriginal
Antiquities, especially upon the character and habits of the earliest races which had their seat in
the Mississippi Valley.
“Resolved, That we regard the work prepared upon this subject, as one of great general
interest, and as worthy to be adopted for publication by the Smithsonian Institution, both as
resting on original researches, and as affording remarkable illustrations of the history of the
American Continent.
“Your Committee would also append to this Report, the accompanying letters from Samuel G.
Morton, M.D., of Philadelphia, and Hon. George P. Marsh, of Vermont, both members of this
Society, and joint members of this Committee.
“All of which is respectfully submitted.
Committee.
E DWARD R OBINSON,
J OHN R. B ARTLETT,
W. W. T URNER,
“New York , June, 1847.”

“New- York. June 9th, 1847.
“I have examined, with much interest and attention, the manuscripts, drawings, and ancient
remains in the possession of Mr. E. G. Squier, and am happy to say that my previous
impressions concerning the value of the researches of that gentleman and his associate, are fully
confirmed. It is fortunate for the cause of American Archæology, that the systematic attempt at
its elucidation should have been conceived and executed in so truly philosophical a spirit; and,
rich as this age already is in antiquarian lore, it has, I think, received few more important
contributions than that which the enlightened and generous zeal of these two private gentlemen
is about to confer upon it. The Smithsonian Collection could not begin with a more appropriate
or creditable essay; and I hope that every facility may be afforded to the investigators, in
bringing before the public the results of their honorable labors, in as suitable a form and with as
little delay as possible.
(Signed) G EO. P. M ARSH.”

“Philadelphia , June 8, 1847
“As a Member of the Committee of the American Ethnological Society, appointed to report
on the Memoir on American Archæology, by Messrs. E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis, I have great
pleasure in saying, that after a careful and repeated inspection of the materials in the hands of
those gentlemen, I am convinced they constitute by far the most important contribution to the
Archæology of the United States, that has ever been offered to the public. The number and
accuracy of their plans, sketches, &c., have both interested and surprised me; and it is gratifying
to learn that the preliminary arrangements have been made for their publication under the
honorable auspices of the Smithsonian Institution.
(Signed) “Samuel George Morton. ”

To ensure accuracy in the present volume, the plates and engravings have
been prepared under the supervision of Mr. E. G. S QUIER, who has also had
the general direction of the press. The sheets as they were printed, were also
examined by Professor W. W. T URNER, of New York, and Mr. F. A. T EALL.
The wood engravings were executed by Messrs. O RR & R ICHARDSON, and
Mr. J. W. O RR, from drawings on the blocks, chiefly by W M. W ADE and
Mr. H AMILTON B ROWN. The Lithographic engraving was executed by
Messrs. S ARONY & M AJOR, and the printing by Mr. E. O. J ENKINS.

OFFICERS OF THE SMITHSONIAN
INSTITUTION.
Ex officio PRESIDING OFFICER OF THE INSTITUTION.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Ex officio SECOND PRESIDING OFFICER.
THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
CHANCELLOR OF THE INSTITUTION.
GEORGE M. DALLAS,
SECRETARY OF THE INSTITUTION.
JOSEPH HENRY,
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, ACTING AS LIBRARIAN.
CHARLES C. JEWETT,
E XECUTIVE C OMMITTEE.
WILLIAM W. SEATON,
ALEXANDER D. BACHE,
JAMES A. PEARCE.

REGENTS.
Vice President of the United States .
G EORGE M. D ALLAS,
Chief Justice of the United States .
R OGER B. T ANEY,
Mayor of the City of Washington .
W ILLIAM W. S EATON,
Members of the Senate of the United States .
J AMES A. P EARCE,
S IDNEY B REESE,
J EFFERSON D AVIS,
Members of the House of Representatives .
H ENRY W. H ILLIARD,
G EORGE P. M ARSH,
R OBERT M C C LELLAND,
Citizen of Massachusetts .
R UFUS C HOATE,
Citizen of New York .
G IDEON H AWLEY,
Citizen of South Carolina .
W ILLIAM C. P RESTON,
Citizen of Pennsylvania .
R ICHARD R USH,

Mem. of Nat. Inst., Washington .
A LEXANDER D. B ACHE,
J OSEPH G. T OTTEN,

MEMBERS EX OFFICIO OF THE INSTITUTION.
President of the United States .
J AMES K. P OLK,
Vice President of the United States .
G EORGE M. D ALLAS,
Secretary of State of the United States .
J AMES B UCHANAN,
Secretary of the Treasury of the United States .
R OBERT J. W ALKER,
Secretary of War of the United States .
W ILLIAM L. M ARCY,
Secretary of the Navy of the United States .
J OHN Y. M ASON,
Post Master General of the United States .
C AVE J OHNSON,
Attorney General of the United States .
I SAAC T OUCEY,
Chief Justice of the United States .
R OGER B. T ANEY,
Commissioner of Patents of the United States .
E DMUND B URKE,
Mayor of the City of Washington .

W ILLIAM W. S EATON,

HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTION.
[No Honorary Members have yet been elected.]

ANCIENT MONUMENTS
OF

T H E M I S S I S S I P P I VA L L E Y :
COMPRISING THE RESULTS OF

EXTENSIVE ORIGINAL SURVEYS AND EXPLORATIONS.

BY
E. G. SQUIER, A.M., AND E. H. DAVIS, M.D.

ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION
BY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
JUNE 1847.

TO

HON. ALBERT GALLATIN,
STATESMAN AND PHILOSOPHER,

IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF

HIS PATRIOTIC SERVICES AND SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS,

This work is respectfully

DEDICATED.

CONTENTS.

Contents, xviii
List of Plates, xx
List of Wood Engravings, xv
CHAPTER

I.—General Ob­ser­va­tions on the Ancient Mon­u­‐
ments of the Mis­sis­sip­pi Val­ley, 1–8
II.—Earth­works; En­clo­sures; Works of De­fence,
8–47
III.—Sacred Enclosures, 47–104
IV.—Monuments of the Southern States, 104–124
V.—Monuments of the North-west, 124–139
VI.—Earthworks; the Mounds; Mounds of Sac­ri­‐
fice, 139–161
VII.—Mounds of Se­pul­ture, 161–173
VIII.—Temple Mounds, 173–178
IX.—Anomalous Mounds; Mounds of Ob­ser­va­‐
tion; Stone Heaps, 178–186
X.—Remains of Art Found in the Mounds;
Pottery and articles of Clay, 186–196
XI.—Implements of Metal, 196–204
XII.—Ornaments of Metal, 204–210
XIII.—Implements of Stone, etc., 210–231
XIV.—Ornaments of Stone, Bone, etc., 231–242

XV.—Sculptures from the Mounds, 242–278
XVI.—Metals Fossils, Minerals, etc., of the
Mounds, 279–288
XVII.—Crania from the Mounds, 288–293
XVIII.—Sculptured or Inscribed Rocks, 293–301
XIX.—Concluding Ob­ser­va­tions, 301–306

LIST OF PLATES.

I. View of ancient works at Marietta,
II. Map of a section of 12 miles of Scioto valley,
III. Map of a section of 6 miles of Miami valley,
No. 2. Map of 6 miles of Paint creek valley,
IV. Stone work near Bourneville, Ross co., Ohio,
V. Fort Hill, Highland county, Ohio,
VI. Fortified Hill, Butler county, Ohio,
VII. Fort Ancient, Warren county, Ohio,
VIII. Ancient work, Butler county, Ohio,
No. 2. Ancient work, Butler county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient work near Piqua, Miami co., Ohio,
No. 4. Ancient work near Dayton, Montgomery county, Ohio,
IX. Fortified Hill near Granville, Licking co., Ohio,
No. 2. Fortified Hill at the mouth of Great Miami river,
No. 3. Ancient work near Lexington, Kentucky,
X. Ancient work, Ross county, Ohio,
XI. Ancient work, Butler county, Ohio,
No. 2. Ancient work, Butler county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient work, Butler county, Ohio,
XII. Stone work on Duck river, Tennessee,
No. 2. Ancient work, Preble county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient work, Greene county, Ohio,
No. 4. Ancient work, Ross county, Ohio,
XIII. Ancient work, Bourbon county, Kentucky,

No. 2. Colerain works, Butler county, Ohio,
XIV. Ancient work, Pickaway county, Ohio,
No. 2. Ancient Work, Franklin county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient work, Fayette county, Kentucky,
No. 4. Ancient work, Fayette county, Kentucky,
XV. Ancient work, Huron county, Ohio,
No. 2. Ancient work, Ashtabula county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient work, Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
No. 4. Ancient work, Lorain county, Ohio,
No. 5. Ancient work, Lorain county, Ohio,
No. 6. Ancient work, Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
No. 7. Ancient work Cuyahoga county Ohio
No. 8. Ancient work Wood county Ohio
XVI. High Bank works Ross county Ohio
XVII. Hopeton works Ross county Ohio
XVIII. Cedar Bank works Ross county Ohio
XIX. Mound City Ross county Ohio
XX. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
XXI. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
No. 2. Ancient work Ross county, Ohio
No. 3. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
No. 4. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
XXII. Junction Group Ross county Ohio
No. 2. Blackwater Group Ross county, Ohio
XXIII. Dunlap’s works Ross county Ohio
No. 2. Ancient work Athens county Ohio
XXIV. Ancient work Pike county Ohio
XXV. Newark works Licking county Ohio,
XXVI. Marietta works Washington county Ohio
XXVII. Portsmouth works, Scioto county Ohio
XXVIII. Portsmouth works Group A
No. 2. Portsmouth works Group B
No. 3. Portsmouth works Group C

XXIX. Ancient works Montgomery county, Ohio
No. 2. Ancient works, Scioto county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient works Franklin county, Ohio,
XXX. Ancient works, Butler county Ohio
No. 2. Ancient works Butler county Ohio
No. 3. Ancient works Ross county Ohio
No. 4. Stone work Ross county, Ohio
XXXI. Graded way, Pike county, Ohio,
No. 2. Ancient work, Butler county, Ohio,
No. 3. Ancient work Butler county Ohio
No. 4. Ancient work Butler county Ohio,
XXXII. Ancient work, Butler county Ohio
No. 2. Ancient work Washington county Ohio
No. 3. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
No. 4. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
No. 5. Ancient work Ross county Ohio
No. 6. Ancient work Montgomery co Kentucky,
XXXIII. Ancient work Montgomery co Kentucky,
No. 2. Ancient work Randolph county, Indiana
XXXIV. Ancient work, Clermont county, Ohio,
No. 2. Ancient work Clermont county, Ohio
No. 3. Ancient work, Greene county Ohio
No. 4. Ancient work Greene county, Ohio
XXXV. Great Serpent, Adams county Ohio
XXXVI. The Cross Pickaway county, Ohio
No. 2. The Alligator, Licking county Ohio
No. 3. Ancient work, Fairfield county Ohio
No. 4. Map of section of Newark valley,
XXXVII. Ancient work Wateree District S. C.
XXXVIII. Ancient works on Etowah river, Alabama
---- Ancient works on Tennessee river, Alabama
No. 2. Ancient works, Chickasaw surveys, Miss.
No. 3. Ancient works, Lafayette county, Miss.

No. 4. Ancient works, Prairie Jefferson, Louisiana.
XXXIX. Ancient work, Madison parish, Louisiana.
Ancient work, Bolivar county, Mississippi.
XL. Ancient works, Dade county, Wisconsin.
XLI. Ancient works, Dade county, Wisconsin.
No. 2. Ancient works, Dade county, Wisconsin.
XLII. Ancient works, Dade county, Wisconsin.
No. 2. Ancient works, Richland county, Wisconsin.
XLIII. Ancient works, Grant county, Wisconsin.
Nos. 2 to 13, various localities.
XLIV. Ancient work on Rock river, Wisconsin.
Nos. 2 to 8, various localities.
XLV. View of great mound at Marietta.
XLVI. Pottery from the mounds.
XLVII. Crania from the mounds.
XLVIII. Crania from the mounds.
L ITHOGRAPHERS .—Sarony & Major, 117 Fulton street, New York.
W OOD E NGRAVERS .—Orr & Richardson, 90 Fulton street, New York.
P RINTER .—Edward O. Jenkins, 114 Nassau street, New York.

PLATES SUPPLEMENTAL DATA.
Plate “Date of survey.” Surveyors Delineators.
I. —— Charles Sullivan,
II. 1847 E. G. Squier,
III. 1840 James McBride,
No. 2. 1847 E. G. Squier,
IV. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis. E. G. Squier,
V. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis. E. G. Squier,
VI. 1836 James McBride. James McBride.
VII. 1842 John Locke, M.D. John Locke.
VIII. 1840 James McBride and J. W. Erwin, James McBride,
No. 2. 1840 James McBride J. W. Erwin, James McBride,
No. 3. 1846 James McBride, James McBride,
No. 4. 1846 James McBride and Sam. Forrer, James McBride,
IX. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis, E. G. Squier.
No. 2. ——
No. 3. 1818 C. S. Rafinesque, C. S. Rafinesque.
X. 1845 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis, E. G. Squier,
XI. 1836 James McBride and J. W. Erwin, J. W. Erwin,
No. 2. 1832 James McBride, James McBride.
No. 3. 1840 James McBride and J. W. Erwin, James McBride,
XII. —— C. S. Rafinesque, C. S. Rafinesque,
No. 2. 1846 James McBride. James McBride,
No. 3. 1846 S. T. Oweins and L. K. Dille, S. T. Oweins,
No. 4. 1846 P. N. White, P. N. White,
XIII. 1820 C. S. Rafinesque, C. S. Rafinesque,
No. 2. 1836 James McBride and J. W. Erwin, James McBride,
XIV. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 2. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 3. 1820 C. S. Rafinesque. C. S. Rafinesque,
No. 4. 1820 C. S. Rafinesque. C. S. Rafinesque.
XV. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 2. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 3. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 4. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 5. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 6. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 7. —— Charles Whittlesey Charles Whittlesey
No. 8. —— Charles Whittlesey Charles Whittlesey
XVI. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XVII. 1845 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XVIII. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XIX. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XX. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XXI. 1847 E. G. Squier E. G. Squier
No. 2. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier

No. 3. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
No. 4. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XXII. 1845 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
No. 2. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XXIII. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
No. 2. 1836 S. P. Hildreth S. P. Hildreth,
XXIV. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
XXV. 1836 C Whittlesey E. G. S. and E. H. D.
XXVI. 1837 C Whittlesey and E. G. Squier Charles Whittlesey,
XXVII. 1847 E. G. Squier,
XXVIII. 1846 E. G. Squier and D Morton E. G. Squier,
No. 2. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis, E. G. Squier,
No. 3. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis, E. G. Squier,
XXIX. —— James McBride James McBride,
No. 2. —— Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
No. 3. 1823 Charles Whittlesey, Charles Whittlesey,
XXX. 1840 James McBride, James McBride,
No. 2. 1847 James McBride and J. W. Erwin, James McBride,
No. 3. 1845 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
No. 4. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
XXXI. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
No. 2. —— James McBride and J. W. Erwin J. W. Erwin
No. 3. —— James McBride and J. W. Erwin J. W. Erwin
No. 4. 1842 James McBride and J. W. Erwin James McBride
XXXII. —— James McBride and J. W. Erwin James McBride
No. 2. 1846
No. 3. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
No. 4. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
No. 5. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier,
No. 6. 1818 C. S. Rafinesque C. S. Rafinesque,
XXXIII. 1818 C. S. Rafinesque C. S. Rafinesque,
No. 2. 1847 James McBride, James McBride,
XXXIV. 1847 E. H. Davis, E. H. Davis,
No. 2. —— Gen Lytle, Gen Lytle,
No. 3. 1846 S. Kyle and L. K. Dillo
No. 4. 1846 S. Kyle and L. K. Dillo
XXXV. 1846 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
XXXVI. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
No. 2. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
No. 3. 1847 E. G. Squier and E. H. Davis E. G. Squier
No. 4. 1847 E. G. Squier
XXXVII. —— William Blanding William Blanding
XXXVIII. —— C. S. Rafinesque. C. S. Rafinesque.
---- ——
No. 2. 1846 R. Morris. R. Morris.
No. 3. 1846 R. Morris. R. Morris.
No. 4. —— C. G. Forshey. C. G. Forshey.
XXXIX. —— James Hough. James Hough.
—— James Hough. James Hough.
XL. —— R. C. Taylor. R. C. Taylor.
XLI. —— R. C. Taylor and John Locke.
No. 2. —— John Locke. John Locke.

XLII. —— John Locke. John Locke.
No. 2. —— S. Taylor. S. Taylor.
XLIII. —— S. Taylor. S. Taylor.
—— S. Taylor. S. Taylor.
XLIV. ——
—— S. Taylor. S. Taylor.
XLV. 1847 C. Sullivan.
XLVI. —— E. G. Squier.
XLVII. —— J. French.
XLVIII. —— J. French.

LIST OF WOOD ENGRAVINGS.

1. View of Great Mound at Miamisburgh, Ohio,
2. Section, exhibiting Septaria,
3. Group of Mounds within an enclosure,
4. Plan of Ancient Work, Lorain county, Ohio,
5. Plan of Ancient Work, Lorain county, Ohio,
6. Plan of Ancient Work, Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
7. Plan of Ancient Work, Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
8. Plan of Ancient Work, Wood county, Ohio,
9. Circle and truncated Pyramid,
10. Plan of Ancient Work, at Circleville, Ohio,
11. Plan of Sacred Enclosure, Pike county, Ohio,
12. Bird-shaped Mound, Newark, Ohio,
13. View of Gateway of Octagon, Newark, Ohio,
14. Truncated Mound covering gateway,
15. Crown-work of Circle,
16. View of “Observatory” at Newark,
17. “Elevated Squares” at Marietta, Ohio,
18. Plan of Ancient Work, Parkersburgh, Virginia,
19. Circle and Mound, Greenup county, Kentucky,
20. Graded Way, Piketon, Ohio,
21. Plan of Ancient Work in Alabama,
22. Plan of Ancient Work in Bolivar county, Mississippi,
23. Public Square of the Muscogulges,
24. Mound at Mount Royal, Florida,

25. Plan of Mound and Parallels,
26. Plan of Works in Wisconsin,
27. Group illustrating the forms of the Mounds,
28. Hill Mounds,
29. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
30. Structure of Mounds,
31. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
32. Plan of Altar,
33. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
34. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
35. Section of Altar,
36. Section of Altar,
37. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
38. Plan of Altar,
39. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
40. Position of recent deposits,
41. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
42. Plan of Excavation, etc.
43. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
44. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
45. Section of Sacrificial Mound,
46. Section of a Stratified Mound,
47. Section of a Mound,
48. View of Elliptical Mound,
49. Group of Sepulchral Mounds,
50. Section of Sepulchral Mound,
51. Plan of Sepulchral Chamber,
52. Section of Sepulchral Mound,
53. Position of Skeleton,
54. Section of Sepulchral Mound,
55. Section of Grave creek Mound,
56. View of Grave creek Mound,
57. Plans of groups of Mounds,

58. Mounds of Oregon,
59. Terraced Mound,
60. Plan of Cahokia Mound,
61. Lozenge-shaped Mound,
62. Section of a truncated Mound,
63. Plan of an Ancient octagonal Terrace,
64. Plan of an Ancient rectangular Terrace,
65. Plan of Temple Mound with graded ascent,
66. Group of Sepulchral Mounds,
67. Plan and Section of Anomalous Mound,
68. Ancient Pipe from the Mounds,
69. Section of Anomalous Mound,
70. Conical Mound,
71. Ancient Pottery, three figures,
72. Ancient Pottery, three figures,
73. Ancient Earthen Vessel,
74. Ancient Earthen Vessel,
75. Ancient Terra Cotta,
76. Terra Cotta from the Mounds,
77. Terra Cotta from the Mounds,
78. Terra Cotta from the Mounds,
79. Terra Cotta from the Mounds,
80. Terra Cotta from the Mounds,
81. Copper Axe from the Mounds,
82. Earthen Pipes, two figures,
83. Adjustment of Ancient Axes,
84. Copper Axe from the Mounds,
85. Copper Gravers from the Mounds, five figures,
86. Copper Spear-head and Knife,
87. Ancient Copper Implements, five figures,
88. Copper Bracelets from the Mounds,
89. Copper Gorgets from the Mounds,
90. Copper Ornament from the Mounds,

91. Copper Ornament from the Mounds,
92. Ancient Work-block of stone,
93. Copper Beads from the Mounds,
94. Copper Fibulæ from the Mounds,
95. Copper Bands, etc.,
96. Silver Beads from the Mounds,
97. Silver Cross,
98. An article of Lead,
99. Flint Spear-heads, three figures,
100. Quartz Spear-head,
101. Ancient Mexican mahquahuitl ,
102. Sword of Pacific Islanders,
103. Arrow-heads, nine figures,
104. Hornstone Disks, three figures,
105. Flint Knives, three figures,
106. Hematite Cutting Implements,
107. Slate Cutting Implements,
108. Ancient Stone Axe,
109. Ancient Stone Axe, four figures,
110. Stone Axe from Mounds,
111. Stone Hand-axe,
112. Ancient Stone-axe, four figures,
113. Ancient Scandinavian Axes, two figures,
114. Ancient ornamented Axes, six figures,
115. Ancient ornamented Axe,
116. Ancient Club-head of Stone,
117. Ancient Club-head of Stone,
118. Pestles of Stone, two figures,
119. Implements of Bone, three figures.
120. Ancient Bone Awls,
121. Discoidal Stones, six figures,
122. Tubes of Stone, two figures,
123. Ornamented Stone Tube,

124. Stone Tube,
125. Stone Tubes,
126. Ancient Mound Pipe,
127. Granite Pipe,
128. Modern Indian Pipes,
129. Beads of Shell,
130. Beads of Shell, three figures,
131. Pendants, eight figures,
132. Pendants of Stone,
133. Stone Gorgets, two figures,
134. Stone Gorget,
135. Stone Gorget,
136. Stone Gorgets, seventeen figures,
137. Section of Gorget,
138. Stone Ornaments,
139. Prismatic Tube,
140. Articles of Stone,
141. Mica Ornaments,
142. Sculptured head from the Mounds, two views,
143. Sculptured head from the Mounds, two views,
144. Sculptured head from the Mounds, two views,
145. Sculptured head from the Mounds, two views,
146. Ancient Sculpture,
147. Sculptured Pipe,
148. Sculptured Pipe,
149. Sculptured Pipe,
150. Mask of Stone,
151. Mask of Stone,
152. Mask of Stone,
153. Sculpture of the Manitus,
154. Sculpture of the Manitus,
155. Sculpture of the Beaver,
156. Sculpture of the Otter,

157. Sculpture of the Otter,
158. Sculpture of the Panther,
159. Sculpture of the Panther,
160. Sculpture of the Panther,
161. Sculptured head of Elk,
162. Sculptured Head,
163. Sculptured Head,
164. Sculpture of tufted Heron,
165. Sculpture of Eagle,
166. Sculpture of Hawk,
167. Sculpture of Swallow,
168. Sculpture of Summer Duck,
169. Sculpture of Toucan?
170. Sculpture of Grouse,
171. Sculpture of Turkey Buzzard?
172. Sculpture of Paroquet,
173. Sculpture of Bird
174. Sculpture of Bird
175. Sculpture of Bird
176. Sculpture of Bird
177. Sculpture of Bird
178. Sculpture of Toucan,
179. Sculpture of unknown Bird,
180. Heads of Eagles,
181. Head of Raven?
182. Sculpture of unknown Bird,
183. Sculpture of Toad,
184. Sculpture of Toad,
185. Sculpture of Frog,
186. Sculpture of Rattlesnake,
187. Sculptured head of Goose,
188. Sculptured Death’s Head,
189. Sculptured Head of Bear?

190. Sculptured Head of Wolf?
191. Sculptured Head of unknown animal,
192. Sculptured Head of unknown animal,
193. Sculptured Head of unknown animal,
194. Front View of Tablet found at Cincinnati,
195. Reverse of same,
196. Carving of Rattlesnake, coiled,
197. Shark’s Teeth, fossil,
198. Marine Shell, pyrula perversa,
199. Section of Hill Mound,
200. Inscribed Rock on Guyandotte river, Va.,
201. Inscribed Rock on Guyandotte river, Va.,
202. Inscribed Rock on Guyandotte river, Va.,
203. Inscribed Rock on Guyandotte river, Va.,
204. Inscribed Rock on Guyandotte river, Va.,
205. Inscribed Rock on Guyandotte river, Va.,
206. Inscribed Rock on Ohio river,
207. Site of Sculptured Rocks of the Guyandotte

PREFACE.

The fact of the existence, within the valley of the Mississippi river and its
tributaries, of many ancient monuments of human labor and skill, seems to
have escaped the notice of the adventurers who first made known to the
world the extent and fertility of that vast region. Except some incidental
allusions by La Vega, and the Portuguese chronicler of De Soto’s
unfortunate expedition, to structures bearing some analogy to those of the
West, (and which seem to have been occupied, if they were not built, by the
Indians of Florida,) we find no mention made of these monuments by any
of the earlier explorers. No sooner, however, had trade been opened with
the Indians beyond the Alleghanies, and the valley of the Mississippi begun
to attract the attention of the rival nations that laid claim to this division of
the continent, than the less prominent features of the country became
subjects of observation and remark. Then, for the first time, we find these
ancient monuments distinctly alluded to. It was not however until some
time afterwards, when settlements had been established at various
prominent points within the valley, and the tide of emigration began to flow
thitherward, that any special attention was directed to them. Carver in 1776,
and Hearte and others in 1791, were among the earliest of these observers at
the North. Their accounts, however, served scarcely to make known the
existence of these remains, and failed to convey any clear idea of their
extent or character. But as the country became better known and more
densely populated, notices of their existence became more numerous, and
some detailed accounts of particular groups were presented to the world, in
the form of incidental notices in books of travel and local gazetteers, or in

contributions to the pages of periodicals, and to the transactions of learned
societies. H ARRIS, in his “Tour into the Territory north-west of the Ohio ,”
published in 1805, noticed at considerable length the ancient remains at
Marietta on the Ohio river; and H. H. B RACKENRIDGE, one of the most
accurate of the early explorers of the West, in his “Views of Louisiana ,”
published in 1814, and in a paper in the first volume of the new series of the
Transactions of the “American Philosophical Society,” presented accounts
of ancient remains at various points, together with some general remarks
upon our antiquities, distinguished for their comprehensiveness and sound
philosophical spirit. Bishop M ADISON of Virginia, in 1803, addressed to Dr.
Barton, then Vice President of the American Philosophical Society, a
communication of considerable length “upon the supposed fortifications of
the western country,” which was published in the sixth volume of the old
series of the Transactions of that institution. It contains some interesting
facts relative to the ancient remains found within the valley of the great
Kenhawa river, in Virginia, and is principally devoted to combating the
popular notion that all the ancient earthworks were of defensive origin.
B ARTRAM, in his animated Journal of Travels in Florida, published in 1779,
makes frequent mention of the ancient remains which fell under his notice.
His accounts have been amply confirmed by later observations, and they
may be regarded as presenting a very accurate view of their general
character. Previous to Bartram’s expedition, Adair, in his “Account of the
American Indians,” published in 1775, mentioned the existence of these
remains, but gave no details respecting them.
In 1817, D E W ITT C LINTON, whose active mind neglected no department
of inquiry, read a paper before the “Literary and Philosophical Society of
New York,” (an institution no longer existing,) upon the “Antiquities of the
western part of New York,” which was subsequently published in a
pamphlet form. It gave a connected view of these antiquities so far as then
known, and indicated their character with such clearness, as to identify
them at once as belonging to that imposing class of remains found in the
valley of the Mississippi. M C C AULEY, in his “History of New York ,”

published at a later period, (1829,) added considerably to the number of
facts presented by Mr. C LINTON.
Among the earliest and more important contributions to the general stock
of information respecting the western monuments, is the chapter entitled
“Antiquities,” contained in “The Natural and Statistical View of Cincinnati
and the Miami country ,” by D ANIEL D RAKE, M.D., published in 1815. It
not only embraces many facts, but is free from the tendency towards
exaggeration which has been the prevailing fault of most that has been
written upon the subject of American Antiquities. In connection with what
was published by Mr. B RACKENRIDGE, and at a subsequent date by the late
President H ARRISON, (Address before the Historical Society of Ohio,
1832,) it presents a better view of the ancient remains of the region north of
the Ohio, than can be obtained from any other source,—Mr. A TWATER’S
Memoir, in the Transactions of the American Antiquarian Society, alone
excepted.
It would be impossible, as it is unnecessary, particularly to point out all
that has been published upon this subject, chiefly consisting, as it does, of
detached and incidental observations. In addition to the several authorities
above named, we may mention L EWIS and C LARKE, Major L ONG, Dr.
E DWIN J AMES, H ENRY R. S CHOOLCRAFT, T IMOTHY F LINT, H UGH
W ILLIAMSON, Dr. B ARTON, Rev. J OSEPH D ODDRIDGE, President
J EFFERSON, Dr. L EWIS C. B ECK, Dr. S. P. H ILDRETH, K EATING,
H AYWOOD, H OWE, N UTTALL, L ATROBE, R OCHEFAUCAULT, S HORT,
C OLLINS, D ICKESON, B ROWN, F EATHERSTONHAUGH, Professors G ERARD
T ROOST, J OHN L OCKE, and C. G. F ORSHEY, R. C. and S. T AYLOR, Prince
M AXIMILIAN, Prof. R AFINESQUE, C HARLES W HITTLESEY, etc., etc., as
among those who have contributed to the general stock of information upon
this subject.
The first attempt towards a general account of the ancient monuments of
the West, was made by Mr. C ALEB A TWATER, who deserves the credit of
being the pioneer in this department. His Memoir, constituting 150 octavo
pages, was published in the first volume of the “Archæologia Americana,”
in 1819. It contains plans and descriptions of a considerable number of

ancient works,—embracing the imposing structures at Marietta, Newark,
Portsmouth, Circleville, etc., etc.,—with accounts of a variety of ancient
remains found in the mounds. It gives a better conception of the number,
magnitude, and more obvious characteristics of the monuments treated of,
than was before possessed, and for a time appeared to have satisfied public
inquiry. It contains many errors, for which however we can find a ready
apology in the unsettled state of the country, and the attendant difficulties of
investigation at the time it was written,—errors which, under present
advantages of research, would be inexcusable.
The facts presented by the earlier of the authorities above named, have
been collected by various authors, either in support of a favorite hypothesis,
or with a view of conveying to the world some conception of the antiquities
of our country. These compilations, however, have proved eminently
unsatisfactory, not less from the vague nature of the original accounts, than
from the circumstance that they were in most instances mixed up with the
crudest speculations and the wildest conjectures. Even when this was not
the case, the fact that the original observations were made in a disconnected
and casual manner, served still further to confuse the mind of the student
and render generalization impossible. It was under an impression of existing
deficiencies in these respects,—the paucity of facts, and the loose manner in
which most of them had been presented,—that the investigations recorded
in this memoir were commenced and prosecuted. At the outset, as
indispensable to independent judgment, all preconceived notions were
abandoned, and the work of research commenced de novo , as if nothing had
been known or said concerning the remains to which attention was directed.
It was concluded that if these monuments were capable of reflecting any
certain light upon the grand archæological questions connected with the
primitive history of the American Continent, the origin, migrations and
early state of the American race, that then they should be more carefully
and minutely, and above all, more systematically investigated.
The locality chosen for the commencement of operations, is a section of
the Scioto river and Paint creek valleys, of which the city of Chillicothe is
the centre, and which possesses a deserved celebrity for its beauty,

unexampled fertility, and the great number, size, and variety of its ancient
remains. Situated in the middle of southern Ohio, and possessing a mild and
salubrious climate, this seems to have been one of the centres of ancient
population; and, probably, no other equal portion of the Mississippi basin
furnishes so rich and interesting a field for the antiquarian. A glance at the
“Map of a Section of Twelve Miles of the Scioto Valley, with its Ancient
Monuments ,” Plate II, will fully illustrate this remark.
The plan of operations was agreed upon, and the field-work commenced,
early in the spring of 1845. Subsequently, the plan was greatly extended,
and the investigations were carried on, over Ohio and the adjacent States,
with slight interruption, up to the summer of 1847.
The body of this memoir will indicate with sufficient clearness, the mode
in which these investigations were conducted, and the extent to which they
were prosecuted. It is perhaps enough here to say, that the surveys of
ancient works were, for the most part, made by the authors in person, and
that the excavations of mounds, etc., were all of them conducted under their
personal direction and supervision. Care was exercised to note down, on the
spot, every fact which it was thought might be of value, in the solution of
the problems of the origin and purposes of the remains under notice; and
particular attention was bestowed in observing the dependencies of the
position, structure, and contents of the various works in respect to each
other and the general features of the country. Indeed, no exertion was spared
to ensure entire accuracy, and the compass, line, and rule were alone relied
upon, in all matters where an approximate estimate might lead to erroneous
conclusions.
The ancient enclosures and groups of works personally examined or
surveyed, are upwards of one hundred in number. Some of these had before
been noticed, but most are now for the first time presented to the world.
About two hundred mounds, of all forms and sizes, and occupying every
variety of position, have also been excavated. Several thousand remains of
ancient art were collected in the course of these investigations, chiefly from
the mounds themselves. These constitute a cabinet, as valuable in its extent,
as it is interesting in the great variety and singular character of the

illustrations which it furnishes of the condition of the minor arts, and the
connections and communications of the people by whom these monuments
were erected.
The prosecution of these researches naturally led to an acquaintance and
correspondence with a large number of gentlemen in various parts of the
Union, who felt interested in them, or who had devoted attention to the
same subject. All of these have kindly rendered their services in cases
where they could prove of value, or have freely contributed the results of
their own labors to complete the design of the authors, in presenting as full
and comprehensive a view of the ancient monuments of our country, as
private means and limited facilities would allow.
First among these, it will not be invidious to name J AMES M C B RIDE,
Esq., of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, whose valuable contributions
constitute an important feature in the memoir herewith presented. This
gentleman, residing for a long time in the centre of the fertile valley of the
Great Miami river, amidst the numerous evidences of ancient population
with which that valley abounds, has devoted a large proportion of his time
to their attentive examination. Personally, and with the assistance of J. W.
E RWIN, Esq., resident engineer on the Miami canal, he has made numerous
surveys of ancient enclosures and groups of works in that valley,
distinguished for their minute fidelity. He also, without however resorting
very extensively to direct excavations, has collected an interesting cabinet
of aboriginal relics. Anxious to contribute his share to whatever might
elucidate the subject of American Archæology, Mr. M C B RIDE, with a
generous liberality, placed in the hands of the authors his notes, plans, and
drawings, without restriction, to be used as they deemed proper. This tender
was accepted in the same spirit it was made, and the materials thus
furnished have been freely used in the succeeding pages, where they rank
second to none in interest and value.
Among the most zealous investigators in the field of American
antiquarian research, is C HARLES W HITTLESEY, Esq., of Cleveland,
formerly Topographic Engineer of Ohio. His surveys and observations,
carried on for many years and over a wide field, have been both numerous

and accurate, and are among the most valuable, in all respects, of any
hitherto made. Although Mr. Whittlesey, in conjunction with J OSEPH
S ULLIVANT, Esq., of Columbus, Ohio, originally contemplated a joint work,
in which the results of his investigations should be embodied, he has
nevertheless, with a liberality which will be not less appreciated by the
public than by the authors, contributed to this memoir about twenty plans of
ancient works, which, with the accompanying explanations and general
observations, will be found embodied in the following pages. Relating
principally to the aboriginal monuments of northern Ohio, (as do those of
Mr. McBride to the remains of western Ohio,) they contribute much to the
interest and completeness of this memoir. It is to be hoped the public may
yet be put in possession of the entire results of Mr. Whittlesey’s labor,
which could not fail of adding greatly to our stock of knowledge on this
interesting subject.
Acknowledgment is also due to Rev. R. M ORRIS, of Mount Sylvan,
Lafayette county, Mississippi, for valuable facts relating to the monuments
of the South. Although but recently commenced, Mr. Morris’s
investigations have been prosecuted in a manner which gives promise of
important results.
It will be observed that several plans and notices of ancient works are
presented in the succeeding chapters, upon the authority of the late Prof. C.
S. R AFINESQUE. This gentleman, while living, devoted considerable
attention to the antiquities of the Mississippi valley, and published several
brief papers relating to them. His notes and plans, for the most part brief,
crude, and imperfect, at his death found their way into the possession of
B RANTZ M AYER, Esq., of Baltimore, late Secretary of the American
Legation to Mexico. This gentleman placed them in the hands of the
authors, with liberty to make use of the information which they contained.
They, however, have chosen to avail themselves of this permission, only so
far as to adopt Prof. Rafinesque’s plans, etc., in cases where they have
either been able to verify them in person, or to assure themselves by
collateral evidence of their accuracy in all essential particulars. His notes
are principally important, as indicating the localities of many interesting

monuments, rather than as conveying any satisfactory information
concerning them.
To S AMUEL G EORGE M ORTON, M.D., of Philadelphia, the eminent
author of “Crania Americana ,” is acknowledgment especially due, not only
for the warm interest manifested in these investigations from their
commencement, but for the use of valuable manuscripts relating to our
antiquities,—the collections of many years of laborious research in
collateral departments. Among these is the brief account of the ancient
remains on the Wateree river in South Carolina, by Dr. W ILLIAM
B LANDING; and also the highly important account of the monuments of the
States bordering the Gulf of Mexico, by W ILLIAM B ARTRAM, the first
naturalist who penetrated the dense tropical forests of Florida. The history
of the MSS. from which the latter account was taken, is unknown. It found
its way by accident into the hands of its present possessor. It consists of
answers to a series of questions, by a second person, (probably Dr. Barton,)
relating to the history, religion, manners, institutions, etc., of the tribes
which composed the Creek confederacy, and is undoubtedly the most
complete and accurate account of those Indians in existence.
Dr. S. P. H ILDRETH, of Marietta, and Prof. J OHN L OCKE, of Cincinnati,
both of whom have devoted much attention to our antiquities, and whose
observations upon the subject are distinguished for their accuracy, are also
entitled to honorable mention for facts contributed, and assistance rendered.
So also, for surveys of ancient works, drawings and descriptions of ancient
relics, and facts of various kinds, is acknowledgment due to J. D ILLE, Esq.,
of Newark, Ohio; S. T. O WEINS and W. B. F AIRCHILD, Esqs., of Xenia,
Ohio; Col. B. L. C. W AILES, of Washington, Mississippi; J. H. B LAKE,
Esq., of Boston; T HOMAS R EYNOLDS, M.D., of Brockville, Canada West;
A RIUS N YE, Esq., and C HARLES S ULLIVAN, Marietta, Ohio; H ENRY
H OWE, R. B UCHANAN, J OSEPH C LARKE, E RASMUS G EST, jr., and U. P.
J AMES, Esqs., of Cincinnati; J. E. W HARTON, Esq., of Wheeling, Virginia;
D ANIEL M ORTON, Esq., of New York; L. K. D ILLE, M .D., of Cedarville,
Ohio; C HARLES O. T RACY, of Portsmouth, Ohio; Prof. W. W. M ATHER,
Jackson, Ohio; Rev. W. B. S TEVENS, Athens, Georgia; Hon. T. H.

C LINGMAN, North Carolina; A SHEL A YLESWORTH, Granville, Ohio; P. N.
W HITE, Esq., Circleville, Ohio; C. J. O RTON, Lower Sandusky, Ohio; Lieut.
J OHN H. A LLEN, now of Easton, Md.; T. B. H UNT, Esq., of New Haven;
W M. F. C LEMSON, Esq., of Chillicothe, Ohio; and J OSEPH S ULLIVANT,
Esq., Columbus, Ohio.
And while rendering these acknowledgments, it is but proper to express
the obligations which the authors of these investigations feel themselves
under to gentlemen in the various Atlantic cities, who, if they have not been
able to add to the number of facts here presented, have nevertheless by their
thorough appreciation of the subject, friendly encouragement, and
disinterested aid, extended in various ways, facilitated this new attempt
towards the elucidation of the antiquities of our own country. To the learned
and venerable President of the American Ethnological Society, Hon.
A LBERT G ALLATIN, the closing years of whose long, active, and useful life
have been closely and successfully devoted to researches in the wide field
of American Ethnological Science, are our grateful acknowledgments
especially due. His assistance and enlightened approbation have had a
controlling influence in sustaining and carrying on these investigations. To
J OHN R. B ARTLETT, Esq., of New York, Foreign Corresponding Secretary
of the Ethnological Society, distinguished for his zeal and energy in
organizing and promoting historical and ethnological research, we cannot
sufficiently express our obligations. His assistance, in a variety of ways, has
been of value, especially in directing public attention to the importance of a
subject, the extent and bearings of which were but imperfectly understood.
Hon. G EO. P. M ARSH, of Burlington, Vermont, whose disinterested
exertions have mainly contributed to the appearance of this memoir in its
present form, has kindly examined the following chapters and given them
the benefit of his sound and critical judgment. To Prof. E DWARD
R OBINSON, D.D., and to Prof. W. W. T URNER, both of New York, and both
officers of the American Ethnological Society, are we also indebted. The
gentleman last named has supervised the memoir, and his suggestions have
been deferred to with a readiness implying a confidence in his critical
abilities, which is shared alike by the authors and by the public.

To Professors B. S ILLIMAN and B. S ILLIMAN, jr., of New Haven; Prof.
J EFFRIES W YMAN, of Boston; Prof. L EWIS A GASSIZ, of Cambridge; S. F.
H AVENS, Esq., Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester;
and to numerous other gentlemen in various parts of the Union, and
particularly to G EO. R. G LIDDON, Esq., whose lectures and publications
upon the subject of Egyptian Archæology have given a new and powerful
impulse to cognate researches in America, and invested them with a popular
interest indispensable to their successful prosecution,—to all of these are
the warmest thanks of the investigators due.
It will not be improper here to mention, that the literary part of the
present work, the responsible task of arranging and embodying for
publication the original MSS. and other materials jointly got together in the
course of these investigations, has devolved mostly upon the gentleman
whose name stands first upon the title-page, who has also prepared the
plans, drawings, and other illustrations. The other gentleman has been
engaged for a number of years in researches connected with our ancient
monuments, and in collecting relics of aboriginal art; and it is due to him to
say, that the investigations here recorded, so far as they involve inquiries in
natural science, have principally been made by him. He has also sustained
the larger proportion of the expenses attending these explorations, and
devoted considerable time to the restoration and arrangement of the relics
recovered from the mounds.
Before concluding these prefatory remarks,—already extended beyond
the original design,—we may be permitted to say that it has been a constant
aim in the preparation of this memoir, to present facts in a clear and concise
form, with such simple deductions and generalizations alone, as may follow
from their careful consideration. With no hypothesis to combat or sustain,
and with a desire only to arrive at truth, whatever its bearings upon received
theories and current prejudices, everything like mere speculation has been
avoided. Analogies, apparently capable of reflecting light upon many
important questions connected with an enlarged view of the subject, have
seldom been more than indicated. Their full consideration, as also that of
the relations which the ancient monuments of the Mississippi valley bear to

those of other portions of America and the world, has not been attempted
here. To such an undertaking, involving long and careful research, as also a
more comprehensive view of the monuments of the central parts of the
continent, this memoir is only preliminary. It yet remains to be seen
whether all the ancient monuments of the Mississippi valley were
constructed upon similar principles; whether they denote a common origin,
and whether they were probably contemporaneous or otherwise in their
erection. It remains to be settled whether the singular and anomalous
structures of Wisconsin and the North-west are part of the same grand
system of defensive, religious, and sepulchral monuments found in the
valley of the Ohio, and the more imposing, if not more regular remains
which abound in the Southern States. The work of investigation has been
just commenced; its future progress may, and no doubt will, result in new
and perhaps more important disclosures than any hitherto made.
The importance of a complete and speedy examination of the whole field,
cannot be over-estimated. The operations of the elements, the shifting
channels of the streams, the levelling hand of public improvement, and
most efficient of all, the slow but constant encroachments of agriculture, are
fast destroying these monuments of ancient labor, breaking in upon their
symmetry and obliterating their outlines. Thousands have already
disappeared, or retain but slight and doubtful traces of their former
proportions. Such an examination is, however, too great an undertaking for
private enterprise to attempt. It must be left to local explorers, to learned
associations, or to the Government. And if this memoir shall succeed in
directing that attention to the subject which it merits, and thereby in some
manner secure the thorough investigation of these monuments, that result
will prove an ample recompense for labors performed in a field of
absorbing interest, and one which holds out abundant attractions to the
Antiquary and Archæologist.
C HILLICOTHE, O HIO, June , 1847.

p001

ANCIENT MONUMENTS.

CHAPTER I.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The ancient monuments of the Western United States consist, for the most
part, of elevations and embankments of earth and stone, erected with great
labor and manifest design. In connection with these, more or less intimate,
are found various minor relics of art, consisting of ornaments and
implements of many kinds, some of them composed of metal, but most of
stone.
These remains are spread over a vast extent of country. They are found
on the sources of the Alleghany, in the western part of the State of New-
York, on the east; and extend thence westwardly along the southern shore of
Lake Erie, and through Michigan and Wisconsin, to Iowa and the Nebraska
territory, on the west.1 We have no record of their occurrence above the
great lakes. Carver mentions some on the shores of Lake Pepin, and some
are said to occur near Lake Travers, under the 46th parallel of latitude.
Lewis and Clarke saw them on the Missouri river, one thousand miles
above its junction with the Mississippi; and they have been observed on the
Kanzas and Platte, and on other remote western rivers. They are found all
over the intermediate country, and spread over the valley of the Mississippi
to the Gulf of Mexico. They line the shores of the Gulf from Texas to
Florida, and extend, in diminished numbers, into South Carolina. They
occur in great numbers in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri,
Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia,
Florida, and Texas. They are found, in less numbers, in the western portions

of New-York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North and South Carolina; as
also in Michigan, Iowa, and in the Mexican territory beyond the Rio Grande
del Norte. In short, p002 they occupy the entire basin of the Mississippi and
its tributaries, as also the fertile plains along the Gulf.
It is a fact but recently made known, that there are an abundance of small
mounds, or tumuli, in the territory of Oregon. We are not informed,
however, whether there are any enclosures, or other works of like character
with those usually accompanying the mounds of the Mississippi valley, nor
whether the mounds of Oregon are generally disseminated over that
territory.2 That they are of frequent occurrence upon the river Gila, in
California, and also upon the tributaries of the Colorado of the West, is also
a fact but recently ascertained. Whether these mounds possess features
identifying them with those of the Mississippi valley, or indicating a
common origin, remains to be decided.
It is not to be understood that these works are dispersed equally over the
area above indicated. They are mainly confined to the valleys of the rivers
and large streams, and seldom occur very far back from them. Occasional
works are found in the hill or broken country; but they are not frequent, and
are always of small size.
Although possessing throughout certain general points of resemblance,
going to establish a kindred origin, these works, nevertheless, resolve
themselves into three grand geographical divisions, which present, in many
respects, striking contrasts, yet so gradually merge into each other, that it is
impossible to determine where one series terminates and the other begins.
In the region bordering the upper lakes, to a certain extent in Michigan,
Iowa, and Missouri, but particularly in Wisconsin, we find a succession of
remains, entirely singular in their form, and presenting but slight analogy to
any others of which we have an account, in any portion of the globe. The
larger proportion of these are structures of earth, bearing the forms of
beasts, birds, reptiles, and even of men; they are frequently of gigantic
dimensions, constituting huge basso-relievos upon the face of the country.
They are very numerous, and in most cases occur in long and apparently
dependent ranges. In connection with them, are found many conical

mounds and occasional short lines of embankment, in rare instances
forming enclosures. These animal effigies are mainly confined to
Wisconsin, and extend across that territory from Fond du Lac, in a south-
western direction, ascending the Fox river, and following the general course
of Rock and Wisconsin rivers to the Mississippi. They may be much more
extensively disseminated; but it is here only that they have been observed in
considerable numbers. In Michigan, as also in Iowa and Missouri, similar
elevations, of more or less regular outline, are said to occur. They are
represented as p003 dispersed in ranges, like the buildings of a modern city,
and covering sometimes an area of many acres.

II. Map of a section of twelve miles of the Scioto Valley with its ancient ♠
monuments.

Further to the southward, in the region watered by the Ohio and its
tributaries, we find ancient works of greater magnitude and more manifest
design. Among them are a few animal-shaped structures; but they seem to
have been erected on different principles and for a different purpose from
those just noticed. Here we find numberless mounds, most of them conical
but many pyramidal in form, and often of great dimensions. The pyramidal
structures are always truncated, sometimes terraced, and generally have
graded ascents to their summits. They bear a close resemblance to the
Teocallis of Mexico; and the known uses of the latter are suggestive of the
probable purposes to which they were applied. Accompanying these, and in
some instances sustaining an intimate relation to them, are numerous
enclosures of earth and stone, frequently of vast size, and often of regular
outline. These are by far the most imposing class of our aboriginal remains,
and impress us most sensibly with the numbers and power of the people
who built them. The purposes of many of these are quite obvious; and
investigation has served to settle, pretty clearly, the character of most of the
other works occurring in connection with them.
Proceeding still further southwards, we find, in the States bordering on
the Gulf of Mexico, the mounds increasing in size and regularity of form, if
not in numbers. Conical mounds become comparatively rare, and the
Teocalli-shaped structures become larger and more numerous, and assume
certain dependencies in respect to each other, not before observed. The
enclosures, on the other hand, diminish in size and numbers; and lose many
of the characteristic features of those of a higher latitude, though still
sustaining towards them a strong general resemblance. Here, for the first
time, we find traces of bricks in the mounds and in the walls of enclosures.
The peculiarities of these several divisions will be more particularly
pointed out in the progress of this work; when the points of resemblance
and difference will become more apparent. The succeeding observations
relate more especially to the remains included in the central geographical
section above indicated, where the investigations recorded in this volume

were principally carried on, and which, in the extent, variety, and interesting
nature of its ancient monuments, affords by far the richest and most
important field for archæological research and inquiry.
The number of these ancient remains is well calculated to excite surprise,
and has been adduced in support of the hypothesis that they are most, if not
all of them, natural formations, “the results of diluvial action,” modified
perhaps in some instances, but never erected by man. Of course no such
suggestion was ever made by individuals who had enjoyed the opportunity
of seeing and investigating them. Simple structures of earth could not
possibly bear more palpable evidences of an artificial origin, than do most
of the western monuments. The evidences in support of this assertion,
derived from the form, structure, position, and contents of these remains,
will sufficiently appear in the progress of this work.
P LATE II, exhibiting a section of twelve miles of the Scioto valley, with its
ancient p004 monuments , will serve to give some general conception of the
number of these remains. The enclosures are here indicated by dark lines,
the mounds by simple dots. Within the section represented, it will be
observed that there are not less than ten groups of large works,
accompanied by a great number of mounds, of various sizes. Within the
enclosure designated by the letter E are embraced twenty-four mounds. The
enclosures D, H, I, K, have each about two and a half miles of
embankment; and H and K enclose but little less than one hundred acres
each. It is proper to observe, to prevent misconception, that there are few
sections of country of equal extent which embrace so large a number of
ancient works. The fertile valley of the Scioto river was a favorite resort of
the ancient people, and was one of the seats of their densest population.
The various works indicated in these maps, will be described at length in
the subsequent pages. An enlarged plan of the enclosure designated by the
letter A is given on Plate XXIII; B, on Plate XVIII; C, Plate XVIII; D, Plate
XVII; E and F, Plate XIX; G, Plate XXII; H, Plate XXI; I, Plate XVI; K,
Plate XX.

P LATE III, No. 1, exhibits a section of six miles of the Valley of Paint
Creek , a tributary of the Scioto river. The village of Bourneville is ten
miles west of Chillicothe. Within this limit are embraced three works of
extraordinary size, besides several smaller ones. The works, designated by
the letters A and B, have each upwards of two miles of heavy embankment,
and contain not far from one hundred acres. The stone work C has an area
of one hundred and forty acres, enclosed within a wall upwards of two and
a fourth miles long. Enlarged plans of the various works here indicated are
given in the following pages. A and B, Plate XXI; C, Plate IV; D and E,
Plate XXX.
P LATE III, No. 2, presents a section of six miles of the Great Miami
valley , included principally within the limits of Butler county, Ohio. Not
less than seven enclosures, of considerable size, occur within these bounds.
The work indicated by the letter G contains ninety-five acres. An enlarged
plan of the work marked A, is given on Plate VI; of B, on Plate XI; C and
F, on Plate XXX; D, Plate XXXI; and G, on Plate XIII.
Not far from one hundred enclosures of various sizes, and five hundred
mounds, are found in Ross county, Ohio. The number of tumuli in the State
may be safely estimated at ten thousand, and the number of enclosures at
one thousand or fifteen hundred. Many of them are small, but cannot be
omitted in an enumeration. They are scarcely less numerous on the
Kenhawas in Virginia, than on the Scioto and Miamis; and are abundant on
the White river and Wabash, as also upon the Kentucky, Cumberland,
Tennessee, and the numerous other tributaries of the Ohio and Mississippi.

III. ♠
Map exhibiting a section of six miles of the Great Miami Valley, with its
ancient monuments.
No. 2. Map exhibiting a section of six miles of the Paint Creek Valley,
with its ancient monuments.

Nor is their magnitude less a matter of remark than their great number.
Lines of embankment, varying in height from five to thirty feet, and
enclosing areas of from one to fifty acres, are common; while enclosures of
one or two hundred acres area are far from infrequent. Occasional works are
found enclosing as many as p005 four hundred acres.3 The magnitude of the
area enclosed is not, however, always a correct index of the amount of labor
expended in the erection of these works. A fortified hill in Highland county,
Ohio, has one mile and five-eighths of heavy embankment; yet it encloses
an area of only about forty acres. A similar work on the Little Miami river,
in Warren county, Ohio, has upwards of four miles of embankment, yet
encloses little more than one hundred acres. The group of works at the
mouth of the Scioto river has an aggregate of at least twenty miles of
embankment; yet the entire amount of land embraced within the walls does
not probably much exceed two hundred acres.
The mounds are of all dimensions, from those of but a few feet in height
and a few yards in diameter, to those which, like the celebrated structure at
the mouth of Grave Creek in Virginia, rise to the height of seventy feet, and
measure one thousand feet in circumference at the base. The great mound in
the vicinity of Miamisburgh, Montgomery county, Ohio, is sixty-eight feet
in perpendicular height, and eight hundred and fifty-two in circumference at
the base, containing 311,353 cubic feet.

Fig. 1. Great Mound at Miamisburgh, Ohio.
From a sketch by Henry Howe, Esq.

The truncated pyramid at Cahokia, Illinois, has an altitude of ninety feet,
and is upwards of two thousand feet in circumference at the base. It has a
level summit of several acres area. The great mound at Selserstown,
Mississippi, is computed to cover six acres of ground. Mounds of these
extraordinary dimensions are most common at the south, though there are
some of great size at the north. The usual dimensions are, however,
considerably less than in the examples here given. The greater number
range from six to thirty feet in perpendicular height, by forty to one hundred
feet diameter at the base.4 p006
All the above-mentioned constructions are composed of earth or stone;
though a combination of these materials in the same work is by no means
rare. When there are no ditches interior or exterior to the embankments, pits
or “dug holes,” from which the earth for their formation was taken, are
generally visible near by. These are sometimes very broad and deep, and
occasionally quite symmetrical in shape.5 In the vicinity of large mounds
such excavations are common. The earth and stone composing these works
are sometimes foreign to the locality which they occupy, and must have
been brought from considerable distances.
A large, perhaps the larger, portion of these enclosures are regular in
outline, the square and the circle predominating. Some are parallelograms,
some ellipses, others polygons, regular or irregular. The regular works are
almost invariably erected on level river-terraces, great care having evidently

been taken to select those least broken. The irregular works are those which
partake most of the character of defences, and are usually made to conform
to the nature of the ground upon which they are situated,—running along
the brows of hills, or cutting off the approaches to strong natural positions.
The square and the circle often occur in combination, frequently
communicating with each other or with irregular works directly, or by
avenues consisting of parallel lines of embankment. Detached parallels are
numerous. The mounds are usually simple cones in form; but they are
sometimes truncated, and occasionally terraced, with graded or winding
ascents to their summits. Some are elliptical, others pear-shaped, and others
squares or parallelograms, with flanking terraces. Besides these, there are
others already alluded to, most common in the extreme north-west, which
assume the forms of animals and reptiles. Another variety of remains are the
causeways or “roads,” and the graded descents to rivers and streams, or
from one terrace to another. These several classes of works will be
described at length, under appropriate heads.
As already remarked, these remains occur mainly in the valleys of the
Western rivers and streams. The alluvial terraces, or “river-bottoms,” as
they are popularly termed, were the favorite sites of the builders. The
principal monuments are found where these “bottoms” are most extended,
and where the soil is most fertile and easy of cultivation. At the junction of
streams, where the valleys are usually broadest and most favorable for their
erection, some of the largest and most singular remains are found. The
works at Marietta; at the junction of the Muskingum with the Ohio; at the
mouth of Grave Creek; at Portsmouth, the mouth of the Scioto; and at the
mouth of the Great Miami, are instances in point. Occasional works are
found on the hill tops, overlooking the valleys, or at a little distance from
them; but these are manifestly, in most instances, works of defence or last
resort, or in some way connected with warlike purposes. And it is worthy of
remark, that the sites selected for settlements, towns, and cities, by the
invading Europeans, are often those which were the especial favorites of the
mound-builders, and the seats of their heaviest population. Marietta,
Newark, Portsmouth, Chillicothe, p007 Circleville, and Cincinnati, in Ohio;

Frankfort in Kentucky; and St. Louis in Missouri, may be mentioned in
confirmation of this remark. The centres of population are now, where they
were at the period when the mysterious race of the mounds flourished.6
The aboriginal monuments of the Mississippi valley, the general
character of which has been thus briefly and imperfectly indicated, fall
within two general divisions, namely, C ONSTRUCTIONS OF E ARTH OR
S TONE, comprising Enclosures, Mounds, etc. ; and M INOR V ESTIGES OF
A RT, including the Implements, Ornaments, Sculptures, etc. of the ancient
people.
The Earth and Stone Works resolve themselves into two classes, viz:
E NCLOSURES, bounded by embankments, circumvallations, or walls; and
simple tumuli, or M OUNDS. 7 They constitute, together, a single system of
works; but, for reasons which will satisfactorily appear, it is preferred to
classify them as above. These grand classes resolve themselves into other
subordinate divisions: E NCLOSURES FOR D EFENCE, S ACRED AND
M ISCELLANEOUS E NCLOSURES; M OUNDS OF S ACRIFICE, T EMPLE
M OUNDS, M OUNDS OF S EPULTURE, etc.

FOOTNOTES TO CHAPTER I.

1 Some ancient works, probably belonging to the same system with those of the
Mississippi valley, and erected by the same people, occur upon the Susquehanna river, as far
down as the Valley of Wyoming, in Pennsylvania. The mound-builders seem to have skirted
the southern border of Lake Erie, and spread themselves, in diminished numbers, over the
western part of the State of New-York, along the shores of Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence
river. They penetrated into the interior, eastward, as far as the county of Onondaga, where
some slight vestiges of their works still exist. These seem to have been their limits at the
north-east.
2 The only reference we have to the mounds of Oregon is contained in a paragraph in
the Narrative of the United States Exploring Expedition, vol. iv. p. 313:
“We soon reached the Bute Prairies, which are extensive, and covered with tumuli, or small
mounds, at regular distances asunder. As far as I can learn, there is no tradition among the
natives concerning them. They are conical mounds, thirty feet in diameter, about six or seven
feet above the level, and many thousands in number . Being anxious to ascertain if they
contained any relics, I subsequently visited these prairies, and opened three of the mounds,
but found nothing in them but a pavement of round stones.”
3 Lewis and Clarke describe one on the Missouri river which they estimated to contain
not far from six hundred acres.—Travels , p. 47.

4 “We have seen mounds which would require the labor of a thousand men employed
upon our canals, with all their mechanical aids, and the improved implements of their labor,
for months. We have more than once hesitated, in view of one of these prodigious mounds,
whether it were not really a natural hill. But they are uniformly so placed, in reference to the
adjacent country, and their conformation is so unique and similar, that no eye hesitates long in
referring them to the class of artificial erections.”—Flint’s Geography , p. 131.
5 These are the “wells ” of Mr. Atwater and other writers on American antiquities. It is
barely possible that a few were really wells, or secondarily designed for reservoirs.
6 “The most dense ancient population existed in precisely the places where the most
crowded future population will exist in ages to come. The appearance of a series of mounds
generally indicates the contiguity of rich and level lands, easy communications, fish, game,
and the most favorable adjacent positions.”—Flint.
“The most numerous, as well as the most considerable of these remains are found precisely
in any part of the country where the traces of a numerous population might be looked for.”—
Brackenridge.
7 The term Mound is used in this work in a technical sense, as synonymous with
Tumulus or Barrow , and in contradistinction to embankment, wall, &c.

p008

CHAPTER II.

EARTHWORKS—ENCLOSURES.

The Enclosures, or, as they are familiarly called throughout the West,
“Forts,” constitute a very important and interesting class of remains. Their
dimensions, and the popular opinion as to their purposes, attract to them
more particularly the attention of observers. As a consequence, most that
has been written upon our antiquities relates to them. A considerable
number have been surveyed and described by different individuals, at
different times; but no systematic examination of a sufficient number to
justify any general conclusion as to their origin and purposes has heretofore
been attempted. We have therefore had presented as many different
hypotheses as there have been individual explorers; one maintaining that all
the enclosures were intended for defence, while another persists that none
could possibly have been designed for any such purpose. Investigation has
shown, however, that while certain works possess features demonstrating
incontestibly a military origin, others were connected with the superstitions
of the builders, or designed for other purposes not readily apparent in our
present state of knowledge concerning them.
It has already been remarked that the square and the circle, separate or in
combination, were favorite figures with the mound-builders; and a large
proportion of their works in the Scioto valley, and in Ohio generally, are of
these forms. Most of the circular works are small, varying from two
hundred and fifty to three hundred feet in diameter, while others are a mile
or more in circuit. Some stand isolated, but most in connection with one or
more mounds, of greater or less dimensions, or in connection with other
more complicated works. Wherever the circles occur, if there be a fosse, or
ditch, it is almost invariably interior to the parapet. Instances are frequent

where no ditch is discernible, and where it is evident that the earth
composing the embankment was brought from a distance, or taken up
evenly from the surface. In the square and in the irregular works, if there be
a fosse at all, it is exterior to the embankment; except in the case of
fortified hills, where the earth, for the best of reasons, is usually thrown
from the interior. These facts are not without their importance in
determining the character and purpose of these remains. Another fact,
bearing directly upon the degree of knowledge possessed by the builders, is,
that many, if not most, of the circular works are perfect circles , and that
many of the rectangular works are accurate squares . This fact has been
demonstrated, in numerous instances, by careful admeasurements; and has
been remarked in cases where the works embrace an area of many acres,
and where the embankments, or circumvallations, are a mile and upwards in
extent. p009
To facilitate description, and to bring something like system out of the
disordered materials before us, the enclosures are, to as great a degree as
practicable, divided into classes; that is to say, such as are esteemed to be
works of defence are placed together, while those which are regarded as
sacred, or of a doubtful character, come under another division.

WORKS OF DEFENCE.

Those works which are incontestibly defensive usually occupy strong
natural positions; and to understand fully their character, their capability for
defence, and the nature of their entrenchments, it is necessary to notice
briefly the predominant features of the country in which they occur. The
valley of the Mississippi river, from the Alleghanies to the ranges of the
Rocky Mountains, is a vast sedimentary basin, and owes its general aspect
to the powerful agency of water. Its rivers have worn their valleys deep into
a vast original plain; leaving, in their gradual subsidence, broad terraces,
which mark the eras of their history. The edges of the table-lands, bordering
on the valleys, are cut by a thousand ravines, presenting bluff headlands and
high hills with level summits, sometimes connected by narrow isthmuses

with the original table, but occasionally entirely detached. The sides of
these elevations are generally steep, and difficult of access; in some cases
precipitous and absolutely inaccessible. The natural strength of such
positions, and their susceptibility of defence, would certainly suggest them
as the citadels of a people having hostile neighbors, or pressed by invaders.
Accordingly we are not surprised at finding these heights occupied by
strong and complicated works, the design of which is no less indicated by
their position than by their construction. But in such cases, it is always to be
observed, that they have been chosen with great care, and that they possess
peculiar strength, and have a special adaptation for the purposes to which
they were applied. They occupy the highest points of land, and are never
commanded from neighboring positions. While rugged and steep on most
sides, they have one or more points of comparatively easy approach, in the
protection of which the utmost skill of the builders seems to have been
exhausted. They are guarded by double, overlapping walls, or a series of
them, having sometimes an accompanying mound, designed perhaps for a
look-out, and corresponding to the barbican in the system of defence of the
Britons of the middle era. The usual defence is a simple embankment,
thrown up along and a little below the brow of the hill, varying in height
and solidity, as the declivity is more or less steep and difficult of access.
Other defensive works occupy the peninsulas created by the rivers and
large p010 streams, or cut off the headlands formed by their junction with
each other. In such cases a fosse and wall are thrown across the isthmus, or
diagonally from the bank of one stream to the bank of the other. In some,
the wall is double, and extends along the bank of the stream some distance
inwardly, as if designed to prevent an enemy from turning the flanks of the
defence.
To understand clearly the nature of the works last mentioned, it should be
remembered that the banks of the western rivers are always steep, and
where these works are located, invariably high. The banks of the various
terraces are also steep, and vary from ten to thirty and more feet in height.
The rivers are constantly shifting their channels; and they frequently cut
their way through all the intermediate up to the earliest-formed, or highest

terrace, presenting bold banks, inaccessibly steep, and from sixty to one
hundred feet high. At such points, from which the river has, in some
instances, receded to the distance of half a mile or more, works of this
description are oftenest found.
And it is a fact of much importance, and worthy of special note, that
within the scope of a pretty extended observation, no work of any kind has
been found occupying the first, or latest-formed terrace. This terrace alone,
except at periods of extraordinary freshets, is subject to overflow.8 The
formation of each terrace constitutes a sort of semi-geological era in the
history of the valley; and the fact that none of the ancient works occur upon
the lowest or latest-formed of these, while they are found indiscriminately
upon all the others, bears directly upon the question of their antiquity.
In addition to the several descriptions of defensive works above
enumerated, there are others presenting peculiar features, which will be
sufficiently noticed in the plans and explanations that follow. These plans
are all drawn from actual and minute, and in most instances personal
survey, and are presented, unless otherwise specially noted, on a uniform
scale of five hundred feet to the inch. When there are interesting features
too minute to be satisfactorily indicated on so small a scale, enlarged plans
have been adopted. This is the case with the very first plan presented.
Sections and supplementary plans are given, whenever it is supposed they
may illustrate the description, or assist the comprehension of the reader. To
shorten the text, the admeasurements are often placed upon the plans, and
the “Field Books” of survey wholly omitted. The greatest care has, in all
cases, been taken to secure perfect fidelity in all essential particulars. In the
sectional maps, in order to show something of the character as well as the
positions of the works, it has been found necessary to exaggerate them
beyond their proportionate size. Some of the minor features of a few works
are also slightly exaggerated, but in no case where it would be apt to lead to
misapprehension or wrong conceptions of their character. p011

IV. Ancient Stone Work near the village of Bourneville, Ross Co. Ohio, 12 ♠
miles west of Chillicothe.

PLATE IV. 9
STONE WORK, NEAR BOURNEVILLE, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This work occupies the summit of a lofty, detached hill, twelve miles
westward from the city of Chillicothe, near the village of Bourneville. The
hill is not far from four hundred feet in perpendicular height; and is
remarkable, even among the steep hills of the West, for the general
abruptness of its sides, which at some points are absolutely inaccessible. It
is the advance point of a range of hills, situated between the narrow valleys
of two small creeks; and projects midway into the broad valley of Paint
creek, so as to constitute its most prominent natural feature. It is a
conspicuous object from every point of view. Its summit is a wide and
fertile plain, with occasional considerable depressions, some of which
contain water during the entire year.
The defences consist of a wall of stone which is carried around the hill, a
little below the brow; but at some places it rises, so as to cut off the narrow
spurs, and extends across the neck that connects the hill with the range
beyond. It should not be understood by the term wall , that, at this time,
anything like a wall of stones regularly laid up exists; on the contrary,
where the line is best preserved, there is little evidence that the stones were
laid one upon the other so as to present vertical faces, much less that they
were cemented in place. At a few points, however, more particularly at the
isthmus D, there are some indications of arrangement in the stones, tending
to the belief that the wall here may have been regularly faced on the
exterior. The appearance of the line, for the most part, is just what might be
expected from the falling outwards of a wall of stones placed, as this was,
upon the declivity of a hill. Upon the western, or steepest face of the hill,
the range of stones covers a space varying from thirty to fifty feet in width,
closely resembling the “protection walls ” carried along the embankments
of rail-roads and canals, where exposed to the action of rivers or large

streams. But for the amount of stones, it might be taken for a natural
feature,—the debris of the out-cropping sand strata. Such, certainly, is the
first impression which it produces upon the visitor; an impression, however,
which is speedily corrected upon reaching the points where the supposed
line of debris , rising upon the spurs, forms curved gateways, and then
resumes its course as before.
Upon the eastern face of the hill, where the declivity is least abrupt, the
wall is heavier and more distinct than upon the west, resembling a long
stone-heap of fifteen or twenty feet base, and from three to four feet in
height. Where it crosses the isthmus it is heaviest; and although stones
enough have been removed from it, p012 at that point, to build a stout
division wall between the lands of two proprietors, their removal is not
discoverable. This isthmus is seven hundred feet wide, and the wall is
carried in a right line across it, at its narrowest point. Here are three
gateways opening upon the continuous terrace beyond. These are formed by
the curving inward of the ends of the wall for forty or fifty feet, leaving
narrow pass-ways between, not exceeding eight feet in width. At the other
points, A and C of the plan, where there are jutting ridges, are similar
gateways. It is at these points that the hill is most easy of access. At A is a
modern roadway; at C is a pathway leading down into the valley of “Black
Run.” At B appears to have been a similar gateway, which for some reason
was closed up; a like feature may be observed in the line D. At the
gateways, the amount of stones is more than quadruple the quantity at other
points, constituting broad, mound-shaped heaps. They also exhibit the
marks of intense heat, which has in some instances vitrified their surfaces,
and fused them together. Light, porous scoriæ are abundant in the centres of
some of these piles. Indeed, strong traces of fire are visible at many places
on the line of the wall, particularly at F, the point commanding the broadest
extent of country. Here are two or three small mounds of stone, which seem
burned throughout. Nothing is more certain than that powerful fires have
been maintained, for considerable periods, at numerous prominent points on
the hill; for what purposes, unless as alarm signals, it is impossible to
conjecture.10

It will be observed that the wall is interrupted for some distance at E,
where the hill is precipitous and inaccessible. There are, as has already been
remarked, several depressions upon the hill which contain constant supplies
of water. One of them covers about two acres, and furnishes a supply
estimated by the proprietor as adequate to the wants of a thousand head of
cattle. Water is obtained in abundance at the depth of twenty feet.
The area enclosed within this singular work is something over one
hundred and forty acres, and the line of the wall measures upwards of two
and a quarter miles in length. Most of the wall, and a large portion of the
area, are still covered with a heavy primitive forest. Trees of the largest size
grow on the line, twisting their roots among the stones, some of which are
firmly imbedded in their trunks.
That this work was designed for defence, will hardly admit of doubt; the
fact is sufficiently established, not less by the natural strength of the
position, than by the character of the defences. Of the original construction
of the wall, now so completely in ruins, we can of course form no very clear
conception. It is possible that it was once regularly laid up; but it seems
that, if such were ever the case, some satisfactory evidence of the fact
would still be discoverable. We must consider, however, that it is situated
upon a yielding and disintegrating declivity; and that successive forests, in
their growth and prostration, aided by the action of the elements, in the long
period which must certainly have elapsed since its p013 construction, would
have been adequate to the total demolition of structures more solid and
enduring than we are justified in supposing any of the stone works of the
ancient people to have been. The stones are of all sizes, and sufficiently
abundant to have originally formed walls eight feet high, by perhaps an
equal base. At some points, substantial fence-lines have been built from
them, without sensibly diminishing their numbers. It can readily be
perceived that, upon a steep declivity, such as this hill presents, so large an
amount of stones, even though simply heaped together, must have proved
an almost insurmountable impediment in the way of an assailant, especially
if they were crowned by palisades.

In the magnitude of the area enclosed, this work exceeds any hill-work
now known in the country; although the wall is considerably less in length
than that of “Fort Ancient,” on the Little Miami river. It evinces great labor,
and bears the impress of a numerous people. The valley in which it is
situated was a favorite one with the race of the mounds; and the hill
overlooks a number of extensive groups of ancient works, the bearings of
which are indicated by arrows on the plan.
Paint creek washes the base of the hill upon the left, and has for some
distance worn away the argillaceous slate rock, so as to leave a mural front
of from fifty to seventy-five feet in height. It has also uncovered a range of
septaria , occurring near the base of the slate stratum; a number of which, of
large size, are to be seen in the bed of the creek, at a . These, most
unaccountably, have been mistaken for works of art,—“stone covers” for
deep wells sunk in the rock. This notion has been gravely advanced in print;
and the humble septaria, promoted to a high standing amongst the
antiquities of America, now figure prominently in every work of
speculations on the subject. The reason for sinking wells in the bed of a
creek, was probably never very obvious to any mind. The supposed “wells”
are simple casts of huge septaria, which have been dislodged from their
beds; the cyclopean “covers” are septaria which have resisted the
disintegrating action of the water, and still retain their places. Parallel
ranges of these singular natural productions run through the slate strata of
this region: they are of an oblate-spheroidal figure, some of them measuring
from nine to twelve feet in circumference. They frequently have apertures
or hollows in their middle, with radiating fissures, filled with crystalline
spar or sulphate of baryta. These fissures sometimes extend beyond them, in
the slate rock, constituting the “good joints” mentioned by some writers.
The slate layers are not interrupted by these productions, but are bent or
wrapped around them. The following cut illustrates their character. A is a
vertical section: a exhibiting the water, b the rock. At c the septarium has
disintegrated, or has been removed, and its cavity or bed is filled with
pebbles. At d the nodule still remains. B exhibits the appearance presented
by d from above.

A stone work, somewhat
similar in character to that here
described, exists near the town
of Somerset, Perry county,
Fig. 2.
Ohio. It is described by Mr.
Atwater in the Arch­æ­o­log­ia
Amer­i­ca­na, vol. i. p. 131. p014
Still another, of small size and irregular outline, is situated on Beaver
creek, a branch of the Great Kenhawa, in Fayette county, Virginia, of which
an account was published by Mr. I. Craig of Pittsburgh, in the “American
Pioneer,” vol. i. p. 199.

PLATE V.
“FORT HILL,” HIGHLAND COUNTY, OHIO. 11

This work occurs in the southern part of Highland county, Ohio; and is
distant about thirty miles from Chillicothe, and twelve from Hillsborough.
It is universally known as “Fort Hill,” though no better entitled to the name
than many others of similar character. The defences occupy the summit of a
hill, which is elevated five hundred feet above the bed of Brush creek at its
base, and eight hundred feet above the Ohio river at Cincinnati. Unlike the
hills around it, this one stands detached and isolated, and forms a
conspicuous object from every approach. Its sides are steep and precipitous;
and, except at one or two points, if not absolutely inaccessible, extremely
difficult of ascent. The points most easy of access are at the southern and
northern angles, and may be reached on horseback. The top of the hill is
level, and has an area of not far from fifty acres, which is covered with a
heavy primitive forest of gigantic trees. One of these, a chestnut, standing
on the embankment near the point indicated by the letter e , measures
twenty-one feet in circumference; another, an oak, which also stood on the
wall, at the point f , though now fallen and much decayed, still measures
twenty-three feet in circumference. All around are scattered the trunks of

immense trees, in every stage of decay; the entire forest presenting an
appearance of the highest antiquity.

V. Fort Hill, Highland Co. Ohio. ♠

Thus much for its natural features. Running along the edge of the hill is
an embankment of mingled earth and stone, interrupted at intervals by
gateways. Interior to this is a ditch, from which the material composing the
wall was taken. The length of the wall is eight thousand two hundred and
twenty-four feet, or something over a mile and a half. In height, measuring
from the bottom of the ditch, it varies from six to ten feet, though at some
places it rises to the height of fifteen feet. Its average base is thirty-five or
forty feet. It is thrown up somewhat below the brow of the hill, the level of
the terrace being generally about even with the top of the wall; but in some
places it rises considerably above, as shown in the sections. The outer slope
of the wall is more abrupt than that of the hill; the earth and stones from the
ditch, sliding down fifty or a hundred feet, have formed a p015 declivity for
that distance, so steep as to be difficult of ascent, even with the aid which
the trees and bushes afford. The ditch has an average width of not far from
fifty feet; and, in many places, is dug through the sandstone layer upon
which the soil of the terrace rests.12 At the point A, the rock is quarried out,
leaving a mural front about twenty feet high. The inner declivity of the ditch
appears to have been terraced. It descends abruptly from the level for a few
feet, then declines gently for some distance, and again dips suddenly, as it
approaches the wall. The vertical section a b exhibits this feature.
There are thirty-three gateways or openings in the wall, most of them
very narrow, not exceeding fifteen or twenty feet in width at the top: only
eleven of these have corresponding causeways across the ditch. They occur
at irregular intervals; and some of them appear to have been rather designed
to let off the water which might otherwise accumulate in the ditch, than to
serve as places of egress or ingress. Indeed, most of them cannot be
supposed to have been used for the last named purposes, inasmuch as they
occur upon the very steepest points of the hill, and where approach is
almost impossible. At the northern and southern spurs or angles of the hill,
the gateways are widest, and the parapet curves slightly outwards. The ditch
is interrupted at these points.
There are three depressions or ponds within the enclosure; the largest of
these, g , has a well-defined artificial embankment on its lower side, which

has recently been cut through, and the water principally drawn off. When
full, the water must have covered very nearly an acre. Bog-clumps are
growing around its edges, and it is free from trees. It does not seem to have
any perennial sources of supply. There are several other small circular
depressions, a number of which occur together at the bluff A; there are also
traces of other excavations, not clearly defined, at various points on the hill.
An inspection of the plan of the work, shows that it is naturally divided
into three parts; that at A being, in many respects, the most remarkable. It is
connected with the main body of the work by a narrow ridge but one
hundred feet wide, and terminates at a bold, bluff ledge, the top of which is
thirty feet above the bottom of the trench, and twenty feet above the wall.
This bluff is two hundred feet wide. It is altogether the most prominent
point of the hill, and commands a wide extent of country. Here are strong
traces of the action of fire on the rocks and stones; though whether remote
or recent, it is not easy to determine. The connection between the two
principal divisions of the work is also narrow, being barely two hundred and
fifty feet in width.
Such are the more striking features of this interesting work. Considered
in a military point of view, as a work of defence, it is well chosen, well
guarded, and, with an adequate force, impregnable to any mode of attack
practised by a rude, or semi-civilized people. As a natural stronghold, it has
few equals; and the p016 degree of skill displayed and the amount of labor
expended in constructing its artificial defences, challenge our admiration,
and excite our surprise. With all the facilities and numerous mechanical
appliances of the present day, the construction of a work of this magnitude
would be no insignificant undertaking. And when we reflect how
comparatively rude, at the best, must have been the means at the command
of the people who raised this monument, we are prepared to estimate the
value which they placed upon the objects sought in its erection, and also to
form some conclusion respecting the number and character of the people
themselves.
It is quite unnecessary to recapitulate the features which give to this the
character of a military work; for they are too obvious to escape attention.

The angles of the hill form natural bastions, enfilading the wall. The
position of the wall, the structure of the ditch, the peculiarities of the
gateways where ascent is practicable, the greater height of the wall where
the declivity of the hill is least abrupt, the reservoirs of water, the look-out
or citadel, all go to sustain the conclusion.
The evidence of antiquity afforded by the aspect of the forest, is worthy
of more than a passing notice. Actual examination showed the existence of
not far from two hundred annual rings or layers to the foot, in the large
chestnut-tree already mentioned, now standing upon the entrenchments.
This would give nearly six hundred years as the age of the tree. If to this we
add the probable period intervening from the time of the building of the
work to its abandonment, and the subsequent period up to its invasion by
the forest, we are led irresistibly to the conclusion, that it has an antiquity of
at least one thousand years .13 But when we notice, all around us, the
crumbling trunks of trees half hidden in the accumulating soil, we are
induced to fix upon an antiquity still more remote.
It is worthy of note, that this work is in a broken country, with no other
remains, except perhaps a few small, scattered mounds, in its vicinity. The
nearest monuments of magnitude are in the Paint creek valley, sixteen miles
distant, from which it is separated by elevated ridges. Lower down, on
Brush creek, towards its junction with the Ohio, are some works; but none
of importance occur within twelve miles in that direction.

VI. Fortified Hill, Butler Co. Ohio, 3 Mile S. W. of the town of Hamilton. ♠

PLATE VI.
FORTIFIED HILL, BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO.

This fine work is situated in Butler county, Ohio, on the west side of the
Great Miami river, three miles below the town of Hamilton. The plan is
from a p017 survey by J AMES M C B RIDE, Esq., and the description is made
up from his notes. The hill, the summit of which it occupies, is about a half
mile distant from the present bed of the river, and is not far from two
hundred and fifty feet high, being considerably more elevated than any
other in the vicinity. It is surrounded at all points, except a narrow space at
the north, by deep ravines, presenting steep and almost inaccessible
declivities. The descent towards the north is gradual; and from that
direction, the hill is easy of access. It is covered with a primitive forest of
oak, hickory, and locust, of the same character with the surrounding forests.
Skirting the brow of the hill, and generally conforming to its outline, is a
wall of mingled earth and stone, having an average height of five feet by
thirty-five feet base. It has no accompanying ditch; the earth composing it,
which is a stiff clay, having been for the most part taken up from the
surface, without leaving any marked excavation. There are a number of
“dug holes,” however, at various points, from which it is evident a portion
of the material was obtained. The wall is interrupted by four gateways or
passages, each twenty feet wide; one opening to the north, on the approach
above mentioned, and the others occurring where the spurs of the hill are
cut off by the parapet, and where the declivity is least abrupt. They are all,
with one exception, protected by inner lines of embankment, of a most
singular and intricate description. These are accurately delineated in the
plan, which will best explain their character. It will be observed that the
northern gateway, in addition to its inner maze of walls, has an exterior
work of a crescent shape, the ends of which approach to within a few feet of
the brow of the hill.
The excavations are uniformly near the gateways, or within the lines
covering them. None of them are more than sixty feet over, nor have they
any considerable depth. Nevertheless, they all, with the exception of the one

nearest to gateway S, contain water for the greater portion, if not the whole
of the year. A pole may be thrust eight or ten feet into the soft mud, at the
bottom of those at E.
At S and W, terminating the parapet, are two mounds, each eight feet
high, composed of stones thrown loosely together. Thirty rods distant from
gateway N, and exterior to the work, is a mound ten feet high, on which
trees of the largest size are growing. It was partially excavated a number of
years ago, and a quantity of stones taken out, all of which seemed to have
undergone the action of fire.
The ground in the interior of this work gradually rises, as indicated in the
section, to the height of twenty-six feet above the base of the wall, and
overlooks the entire adjacent country.
In the vicinity of this work, are a number of others occupying the valley;
no less than six of large size occur within a distance of six miles down the
river. [See Plate III. No. 2. This work is marked A on the map.]
The character of this structure is too obvious to admit of doubt. The
position which it occupies is naturally strong, and no mean degree of skill is
employed in its artificial defences. Every avenue is strongly guarded. The
principal approach, the only point easy of access, or capable of successful
assault, is rendered doubly secure. A mound, used perhaps as an alarm post,
is placed at about one-fourth of the distance down the ascent; a crescent
wall crosses the isthmus, leaving but p018 narrow passages between its ends
and the steeps on either hand. Next comes the principal wall of the
enclosure. In event of an attack, even though both these defences were
carried, there still remains a series of walls so complicated as inevitably to
distract and bewilder the assailants, thus giving a marked advantage to the
defenders. This advantage may have been much greater than we, in our
ignorance of the military system of this ancient people, can understand. But,
from the manifest judgment with which their defensive positions were
chosen, as well as from the character of their entrenchments, so far as we
comprehend them, it is safe to conclude that all parts of this work were the
best calculated to secure the objects proposed by the builders, under the
modes of attack and defence then practised.

The coincidences between the guarded entrances of this and similar
works throughout the West, and those of the Mexican defences, is singularly
striking. The wall on the eastern side of the Tlascalan territories, mentioned
by Cortez and Bernal Diaz, was six miles long, having a single entrance
thirty feet wide, which was formed in the manner represented in the
supplementary plan A. The ends of the wall overlapped each other, in the
form of semicircles, having a common centre.14

PLATE VII.
“FORT ANCIENT,” WARREN COUNTY, OHIO. 15

VII. Fort Ancient, East Bank of the Little Miami River, 33 miles above ♠
Cincinnati.

One of the most extensive, if not the most extensive, work of this class,
in the entire West, occurs on the banks of the Little Miami river, about
thirty-five miles north-east from Cincinnati, in Warren county, Ohio. It has
not far from four miles of embankment, for the most part very heavy, rising,
at the more accessible points, to the height of eighteen and twenty feet. The
accompanying map is from a faithful survey, made by Prof. L OCKE, of
Cincinnati, and published by him amongst the papers of the American
Association of Geologists and Naturalists, in p019 1843. One or two slight
additions have been made to his map, to indicate features which may be of
some importance in a consideration of the work and its character. The
description of Prof. Locke, accompanying the map, though brief, and
written with a view to certain geological questions, may not be omitted in
this connection.
“This work occupies a terrace on the left bank of the river, and two
hundred and thirty feet above its waters. The place is naturally a strong one,
being a peninsula, defended by two ravines, which, originating on the east
side near to each other, diverging and sweeping around, enter the Miami,
the one above, the other below the work. The Miami itself, with its
precipitous bank of two hundred feet, defends the western side. The ravines
are occupied by small streams. Quite around this peninsula, on the very
verge of the ravines, has been raised an embankment of unusual height and
perfection. Meandering around the spurs, and re-entering to pass the heads
of the gullies, it is so winding in its course that it required one hundred and
ninety-six stations to complete its survey. The whole circuit of the work is
between four and five miles. The number of cubic yards of excavation may
be approximately estimated at six hundred and twenty-eight thousand eight
hundred. The embankment stands in many places twenty feet in
perpendicular height; and although composed of a tough, diluvial clay,
without stone, except in a few places, its outward slope is from thirty-five
to forty-three degrees. This work presents no continuous ditch; but the
earth for its construction has been dug from convenient pits, which are still
quite deep, or filled with mud and water. Although I brought over a party of

a dozen active young engineers, and we had encamped upon the ground to
expedite our labors, we were still two days in completing our survey,
which, with good instruments, was conducted with all possible accuracy.
The work approaches nowhere within many feet of the river; but its
embankment is, in several places, carried down into ravines from fifty to
one hundred feet deep, and at an angle of thirty degrees, crossing a
streamlet at the bottom, which, by showers, must often swell to a powerful
torrent. But in all instances the embankment may be traced to within three
to eight feet of the stream. Hence it appears, that although these little
streams have cut their channels through fifty to one hundred feet of thin,
horizontal layers of blue limestone, interstratified with indurated clay marl,
not more than three feet of that excavation has been done since the
construction of the earthworks. If the first portion of the denudation was
not more rapid than the last, a period of at least thirty to fifty thousand
years would be required for the present point of its progress. But the
quantity of material removed from such a ravine is as the square of its
depth, which would render the last part of its denudation much slower, in
vertical descent, than the first part. That our streams have not yet reached
their ultimate level, a point beyond which they cease to act upon their beds,
is evident from the vast quantity of solid material transported annually by
our rivers, to be added to the great delta of the Mississippi. Finally, I am
astonished to see a work, simply of earth, after braving the storms of
thousands of years, still so entire and well marked. Several circumstances
have contributed to this. The clay of which it is built is not easily
penetrated by water. The bank has been, and is still, mostly covered by a
forest p020 of beech trees, which have woven a strong web of their roots
over its steep sides; and a fine bed of moss (Polytrichum ) serves still
further to afford protection.”
Upon the steep slope of the hill, at the point where it approaches nearest
to the river, are distinctly traceable three parallel terraces, which were not
represented in the original map, but which are indicated here. It is not
impossible that they are natural, and were formed by successive slips or
slides of earth, a feature not uncommon at the West. They nevertheless,
from their great regularity, appear to be artificial, and are so regarded by
most persons. A very fine view of the valley, in both directions, is

commanded from them; though, perhaps, no better than may be obtained
from the brow of the hill along which the embankment runs. It has been
suggested that they were designed as stations, from which to annoy an
enemy passing in boats or canoes along the river. This feature is illustrated
in the section r s .
From a point near the two large mounds on the neck of the peninsula,
start off two parallel walls, which continue for about thirteen hundred and
fifty feet, when they diverge suddenly, but soon close around a small
mound. As this outwork is in cultivated grounds, it has been so much
obliterated as to escape ordinary observation, and is now traceable with
difficulty. These parallels are shown in the Supplementary Plan A. They are
almost identical, in all their dimensions, with similar parallels attached to
ancient works in the Scioto valley.
It is a feature no less worthy of remark in this than in other works of the
same class, and one which bears directly upon the question of their design,
that at all the more accessible points, the defences are of the greatest
solidity and strength. Across the isthmus connecting this singular peninsula
with the table land, the wall is nearly double the height that it possesses at
those points where the conformation of the ground assisted the builders in
securing their position. The average height of the embankment is between
nine and ten feet; but, at the place mentioned, it is no less than twenty . At
the spur where the State road ascends the hill, and where the declivity is
most gentle, the embankment is also increased in height and solidity, being
at this time not less than fourteen feet high by sixty feet base.
There are over seventy gateways or interruptions in the embankment, at
irregular intervals along its line. For reasons heretofore given, it is difficult
to believe they were all designed as places of ingress or egress. We can only
account for their number, upon the hypothesis that they are places once
occupied by block-houses or bastions composed of timber, and which have
long since decayed. These openings appear to have been originally about
ten or fifteen feet in width.

VIII. Ancient Works ♠
Nos. 1–2. Butler Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Miami Co. Ohio.
No. 4. Montgomery Co. Ohio.

This work, it will be seen, consists of two grand divisions, the passage
between which is long and narrow. Across this neck is carried a wall of the
ordinary dimensions, as if to prevent the further progress of an enemy, in
the event of either of the principal divisions being carried,—a feature
which, while it goes to establish the military origin of the work, at the same
time evinces the skill and foresight of the builders. This foresight is further
shown, in so managing the excavations necessary for the erection of the
walls, as to form numerous large reservoirs; sufficient, in p021 connection
with the springs originating within the work, to supply with water any
population which might here make a final stand before an invader. Even in
the absence of these sources, surrounded as the work is on every hand by

streams, it would be easy, in face of the most formidable investment, to
procure an adequate supply.
At numerous points in the line of embankment, and where from position
they would yield the most effective support, are found large quantities of
stones. These are water-worn, and seem, for the most part, to have been
taken from the river. If so, an incredible amount of labor has been expended
in transporting them to the places which they now occupy,—especially will
it appear incredible, when we reflect that all of them were doubtless
transported by human hands.
A review of this magnificent monument cannot fail to impress us with
admiration of the skill which selected, and the industry which secured this
position. Under a military system, such as we feel warranted in ascribing to
the people by whom this work was constructed, it must have been
impregnable. In every point of view, it is certainly one of the most
interesting remains of antiquity which the continent affords.

PLATE VIII. No. 1.
[From the Surveys and Notes of J AMES M C B RIDE .]

This work occurs on the bank of the Great Miami river, four miles above
the town of Hamilton, in Butler county, Ohio, and is one of the most
interesting hill-works known. It corresponds in all essential particulars with
those of the same class already described. It occupies the summit of a
promontory cut from the table lands bordering the Miami river, which upon
three sides presents high and steep natural banks, rendered more secure for
purposes of defence by artificial embankments thrown up along their brows.
The remaining side is defended by a wall and ditch, and it is from this side
only that the work is easy of approach. The walls are low, measuring at this
time but about four feet in height. The area enclosed is level, subsiding
somewhat towards the north, so as to form a sort of natural terrace along the
river. Previous to the construction of the Miami canal, this terrace was eight
or ten rods wide, having a perpendicular bank next the river, some fifty or
more feet high. Upon this terrace are situated several small mounds. The

point indicated by c in the plan is the most elevated within the enclosure.
The ground here was intermixed with large stones, most of which were
removed in building the canal. Among them, it is said, were found several
human skeletons, and also a variety of carved stone implements.
The most interesting feature in connection with this work is the entrance
on the south, of which the enlarged plan can alone afford a fair conception.
The ends p022 of the wall curve inwardly as they approach each other, upon
a radius of seventy-five feet, forming a true circle, interrupted only by the
gateways. Within the space thus formed, is a small circle one hundred feet
in diameter; outside of which and covering the gateway is a mound, e , forty
feet in diameter and five feet high. The passage between the mound and the
embankment, and between the walls of the circles, is now about six feet
wide. The gateway or opening d is twenty feet wide. This singular entrance,
it will be remarked, strongly resembles the gateways belonging to a work
already described (Plate VI. ), although much more regular in its
construction.
The ditches, f f , which accompany the wall on the south, subside into the
ravines upon either side. These ravines are not far from sixty feet deep, and
have precipitous sides, rendering ascent almost impossible. The mound h is
three feet high.
The area of the work is seventeen acres; the whole of which is yet
covered with a dense primitive forest. The valley beyond the river is broad,
and in it are many traces of a remote population, of which this work was
probably the fortress or place of last resort, during turbulent periods.

PLATE VIII. No. 2.

This work is situated six miles south-west of the town of Hamilton, in
Butler county, Ohio. It has no very remarkable features, although
possessing the general characteristics of this class of works. It consists of a
simple embankment of earth carried around the brow of a high, detached
hill, overlooking a wide and beautiful section of the Miami valley. The side
of the hill on the north, towards the river, is very abrupt, and rises to the

height of one hundred and twenty feet above the valley. The remaining
sides are steep, though comparatively easy of ascent. The walls are scarcely
four feet high, and seem to have been much reduced by time. There are six
gateways, two of which open upon natural bastions or look-outs, and the
remaining four towards copious springs, as shown in the plan. The ground
within the walls rises gradually to the centre, from which an extended view
of the valley and surrounding country may be obtained. There are two
mounds of earth placed near together on the highest point within the
enclosure, measuring respectively ten feet in height.
South-east of the work, and nine hundred feet distant, is an eminence A,
about fifty feet higher than the one occupied by the above mentioned work,
—being much the highest point in the neighborhood. The area on the top is,
however, inconsiderable. There are some traces of ancient occupation here,
though they are far from being distinct or considerable. p023

PLATE VIII. No. 3.

The enclosure here represented is situated on the left bank of the Great
Miami river, two and a half miles above the town of Piqua, Miami county,
Ohio, upon the farm of Col. John Johnston, a prominent actor in the early
history of Ohio. It occupies the third terrace, which here forms a bluff
peninsula, bounded on three sides by streams. The banks of the terrace vary
from fifty to seventy-five feet in height. The embankment is carried along
the boundaries of the peninsula, enclosing an oval-shaped area of about
eighteen acres. It is composed of earth intermixed with large quantities of
stone, and is unaccompanied by a ditch. The stones that enter into the
composition of the rampart are water-worn, and must have been brought
from the bed of the river; which, according to Dr. Drake, for two miles
opposite this work, does not at present afford a stone of ten pounds weight.
A mound, five feet high and surrounded by a ditch, occurs within the work.
There is also another, exterior to the walls, upon the second terrace, towards
the river. This is classed as a defensive work, for very obvious reasons.16

Below this entrenchment, and on the present site of the town of Piqua, a
group of works formerly existed, consisting of circles, ellipses, etc. These
have been described at length, by Major Long.17 There are also various
small works on the opposite bank of the Miami. Indeed, the whole valley is
here covered with traces of a former dense population.

PLATE VIII. No. 4. 18

This work resembles one already described, No. 2 of this Plate. It is
situated on the bank of the Great Miami river, three miles below Dayton,
Montgomery county, Ohio. The side of the hill towards the river is very
steep, rising to the p024 height of one hundred and sixty feet. The remaining
sides are less abrupt. Upon the south is the principal gateway, and here the
declivity is gentle. This gateway is covered upon the interior by a ditch, c c ,
twenty feet wide, and seven hundred feet long. At d d d are dug holes, from
which it is apparent a portion of the earth composing the embankments was
taken. At b is a natural depression forty feet deep, and covering not far from
one and a half acres. At the northern slope of the narrow ridge which
intersects the work, and within the line of the embankment of which it
forms a part, is a small mound. From its top a full view of the surrounding
country, for a long distance up and down the river, may be obtained. A
terrace, apparently artificial, skirts the north-west side of the hill, thirty feet
below the embankment. As remarked in a former instance, this terrace may
be natural; it has, however, all the regularity of a work of art.

PLATE IX. No. 1.
FORTIFIED HILL, NEAR GRANVILLE, LICKING COUNTY, OHIO.

The work here represented is situated two miles below the town of
Granville, Licking county, Ohio. It encloses the summit of a high hill, and
embraces an area of not far from eighteen acres. The embankment is, for the
most part, carried around the hill at a considerable distance below its brow,
and is completely overlooked from every portion of the enclosed area.

Unlike all other hill-works which have fallen under notice, the ditch occurs
outside of the wall; the earth in the construction of the latter having been
thrown upwards and inwards. This is observed equally at the points where
the hill is steepest; and the result has been, in the lapse of time, that the
ditch is almost obliterated, while the accumulating earth has filled the space
above the wall, so that the appearance of the defence, at these points, is that
of a high, steep terrace. The height of the wall varies at different places;
where the declivity is gentle and the approach easy, it is highest,—perhaps
eight or ten feet from the bottom of the ditch; elsewhere it is considerably
less. The embankment conforms generally to the shape of the hill. It is
interrupted by three gateways, two of which open towards springs of water,
and the other, or principal one, upon a long narrow spur, which subsides
gradually into the valley of Raccoon creek, affording a comparatively easy
ascent.

IX. ♠
No. 1. Fortified Hill, Near Granville, Licking Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Fortified Hill, Near the mouth of the Great Miami River, Hamilton
Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Ancient Work, near Lexington, Kentucky.

Upon the highest part of the ground enclosed in this work, is a small
circle, one hundred feet in diameter, within which are two small mounds.
There is also another truncated mound, a little distance to the northward of
the circle. The mounds within the circle, upon excavation, were found, in
common with all similar structures occurring within enclosures, to contain
altars . No enduring remains seem to have been deposited upon these altars,
which were covered with ashes, intermixed with small fragments of pottery.
This is the only hill-work which has p025 been observed to embrace a minor
work of the description here represented. The character of the principal
enclosure can hardly be mistaken; it is palpably a defensive work, although

deficient in that grand essential, a supply of water. If we concede, what can
hardly admit of doubt, that the minor structure had a sacred or superstitious
origin, we must of necessity arrive at the conclusion that the altars of the
ancient people sometimes accompanied their defences.
This work constitutes one of the Newark Group, and is indicated by the
letter B in the “Map of six miles of the Newark Valley ,” presented upon a
succeeding plate. This section of country was once densely populated, as is
evidenced by the number and extent of the ancient remains which it
includes; and it is probable that the work here noticed, together with one of
like character upon the opposite side of the valley, three miles distant,
constituted the places of last resort of the ancient inhabitants. The extensive
works in the immediate vicinity of Newark, of which a full account is
elsewhere given, can hardly be supposed to partake of a military character.

PLATE IX. No. 2. 19
FORTIFIED HILL AT THE MOUTH OF THE GREAT MIAMI RIVER, HAMILTON
COUNTY, OHIO.

This work is strictly analogous to the other hill-works already described,
and is so well exhibited in the engraving as to need little explanation. It
occupies the summit of a steep, insulated hill, and consists of a wall carried
along its brow, composed of earth, thrown as usual in such cases from the
interior. The wall conforms strictly to the outline of the hill, except at the
west, where there is a considerable promontory, which is left unenclosed.
Upon this promontory is a mound, corresponding doubtless in its purposes
with the one on the principal avenue of approach to the remarkable fortified
hill, higher up on the Miami, in Butler county (Plate VI.) The late President
Harrison regarded this work as admirably designed for defence, and as
evincing extraordinary military skill. He says:
“The work at the mouth of the Great Miami was a citadel, more elevated
than the Acropolis of Athens, although easier of access, as it is not like the
latter a solid rock, but upon three sides is as nearly perpendicular as could
be, to be composed of earth. A large space of the low ground was, however,

enclosed by walls uniting it with the Ohio. The foundation of that (being of
stone as well as those of the citadel) which formed the western defence, is
still visible where it crosses p026 the Miami river, which, at the period of
the erection of the work, must have discharged itself into the Ohio at a
point much lower down than it now does. I have never been able to
discover the eastern wall of the enclosure; but if its direction from the
citadel to the Ohio was such as it should have been, to embrace the largest
space with the least labor, there could not have been less than three
hundred acres enclosed.”20

PLATE IX. No. 3.
ANCIENT WORK NEAR LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY.

[From the R AFINESQUE MSS.]

This work is situated at the junction of the Town and South forks of the
Elkhorn river, seven miles from the town of Lexington, Kentucky. Its
character is sufficiently explained by the engraving. It is entirely singular in
having a stream, of considerable size, running through it. The river has
probably encroached upon its original proportions. About one hundred
yards to the eastward of this work is a small, oblong enclosure, and a large,
elliptical, truncated mound. Other mounds and enclosures occur in the
vicinity.21

PLATE X.
CLARK’S WORK; NORTH FORK OF PAINT CREEK. 22

The work here presented is one of the largest and most interesting in the
Scioto valley. It has many of the characteristics of a work of defence, and is
accordingly classified as such, although differing in position and some other
respects from the entrenched hills just described. The minor works which it
encloses, or which are in combination with it, are manifestly of a different
character, probably religious p027 in their design, and would seem to point

to the conclusion, that this was a fortified town, rather than a defensive
work of last resort.

X. North Fork, Works, Ross Co. Ohio. ♠

It is situated on the North fork of Paint creek, on the estate of W. C.
C LARK, Esq. and occupies the entire width of the second terrace, which
here presents a broad and level plain, of exceeding beauty and fertility. Its
general form is that of a parallelogram, twenty-eight hundred feet by
eighteen hundred, with one of its corners somewhat rounded. On the side
next the creek, it is bounded by a wall four feet high, running along the very
edge of the terrace-bank, and conforming to its irregularities; these however
are slight. Its remaining sides are bounded by a wall and exterior ditch; the
wall is six feet high by thirty-five feet base, and the ditch of corresponding
dimensions. The lines ascend the declivity of the table land back of the
terrace, and extend along its brow, dipping into the ravines and rising over

the ridges into which it has been cut by the action of water. Wherever the
ravines are of any considerable depth, the wall has been washed away; but
in all cases leaving evidences that it once extended uninterruptedly through.
The bank of the terrace is thirty, that of the table-land fifty feet in height.
The area thus enclosed is one hundred and eleven acres. To the right of
the principal work, and connecting with it by a gateway at its centre, is a
smaller work of sixteen acres area . It is a perfect square ; its sides
measuring respectively eight hundred and fifty feet. It has gateways at the
middle of each side, thirty feet wide, and covered by small mounds, which
are placed fifty feet interior to the walls. There are gateways also at the two
outer corners, which are unaccompanied by mounds. The opening which
leads to the principal enclosure is twice as wide as the others. The walls of
the smaller work are much lighter than those of the large one, and have no
attendant ditch.
Within the area of the great work, are two
small ones: one of them is a perfect circle,
three hundred and fifty feet in diameter,
bounded by a single slight wall, with a
gateway opening to the west; the other is a
semi-circular enclosure, two thousand feet
in circumference, bounded by a slight
circumvallation and ditch as represented in
Fig. 3. the plan. Within this last enclosure (of
which Fig. 3 is a view) are seven mounds;
three of which are joined together, forming a continuous elevation thirty
feet high by five hundred feet long, and one hundred and eighty broad at the
base. (See longitudinal section n o .) The ground within this work appears to
be elevated above the general level of the plain, whether designedly or by
the wasting of the mounds it is impossible to say. There are other mounds at
the points indicated in the plan, most of which have been explored; with
what results will appear in the chapter on mounds. It may nevertheless be
proper to remark, that nearly all the mounds examined were places of

sacrifice, containing altars; thus confirming the opinion already confidently
expressed, respecting the character of the work.
Where the defences descend from the table lands to the left, is a gully or
p028 torrent-bed, which, before the construction of this work, kept the
course indicated by the dotted line x . It was turned by the builders from its
natural channel into the ditch, along which it still runs for a considerable
distance; but at one place it has broken over the wall, obliterating it for
nearly two hundred feet. It is dry at most seasons of the year; and, unless
much swollen by the rains, keeps the course of the ditch, terminating in a
deep gully, formed by the flow of water from a copious and unfailing
spring. This gully is made to answer as a ditch, for the space yet
intervening, to the edge of the terrace. It is fifteen feet deep, by sixty or
seventy wide. In several other instances, this artificial change in water-
courses has been observed.
The gateways of this work are six in number; one opening into the
smaller enclosure to the east, two upon the table lands, one to the spring
first mentioned, and two others towards the creek. Two considerable springs
occur within the walls. It is not necessary, however, upon the hypothesis
already advanced in respect to this work, to suppose its ancient population
wholly dependent upon these sources for their supply of water; inasmuch as
it is very evident that many centuries have not elapsed since the creek, now
one hundred rods distant, washed the base of the terrace upon which it
stands. Indeed, until recently, and until prevented by dykes above, the creek
at its highest stages continued to send a portion of its waters along its
ancient channel.
The slight wall along the terrace bank is composed chiefly of smooth,
water-worn stones, taken from the creek, and cemented together by tough,
clayey earth. The wall of the square is wholly of clay, and its outlines may
be easily traced by the eye, from a distance, by its color. It appears, as do
the embankments of many other works, to have been slightly burned. This
appearance is so marked, as to induce some persons to suppose that the
walls were, in certain instances, originally composed of bricks partially
baked, but which have in process of time lost their form, and subsided into

a homogeneous mass. That they have in some cases been subjected to the
action of fire, is too obvious to admit of doubt. At the point z in the lower
wall of the square, stones and large masses of pebbles and earth, much
burned, and resembling a ferruginous conglomerate, are turned up by the
plough. May not this feature be accounted for by supposing the walls to
have been originally surmounted by palisades, which were destroyed by the
action of fire? Such a cause, however, seems hardly adequate to produce so
striking results.
The broken table land upon which the main work extends, forms natural
bastions at T and S , which have gateways opening to them. At the point
marked C in the embankment, a quantity of calcined human bones are
observable.

XI. Ancient Work, Butler Co. Ohio. ♠

Such are some of the features of this interesting work; and if their detail
has been tedious, it may be urged in extenuation of such minuteness, that
descriptions have hitherto been quite too vague and general. Minute
circumstances are often of the first importance in arriving at correct
conclusions. The comparative slightness of the wall and the absence of a
ditch, at the points possessing natural defences,—the extension of the
artificial defences upon the table lands overlooking and commanding the
terrace,—the facilities afforded for an abundant supply of water, as well as
the large area enclosed, with its mysterious circles and sacred p029 mounds,
—all go to sustain the conclusion, that this was a fortified town or city of
the ancient people. The history of its fall, if its strange monuments could
speak, would perhaps tell of heroic defence of homes and altars, and of
daring achievements in siege and assault.
The amount of labor expended in the construction of this work, in view
of the imperfect means at the command of the builders, is immense. The
embankments measure together nearly three miles in length; and a careful
computation shows that, including mounds, not less than three millions
cubic feet of earth were used in their composition.
Within this work, some of the most interesting discoveries recorded in
this volume were made.

PLATE XI. No. 1.
[From the Surveys and Notes of J AMES M C B RIDE .]

This highly interesting work is situated in Butler county, Ohio, on the
banks of Seven Mile creek, five miles north of the town of Hamilton. It is
formed by two irregular lines of embankment, and an exterior ditch, cutting
off a jutting point of the second terrace; and has an area of twenty-five
acres. These embankments are parallel throughout, and were evidently both
made from the same ditch. The outer one has an average height of four, the
inner one of three feet. The ditch is between five and six feet deep, by
thirty-five feet wide. At the southern portion of the work, both walls and the
ditch have their greatest dimensions. The side of the work next the stream is

bounded by an abrupt natural bank, eighteen feet high. Distant a few rods
from the north-eastern angle of the work, is an elliptical mound eleven feet
high; its conjugate and transverse diameters are ninety-two and one hundred
and eighteen feet respectively.
This work has a single gateway thirty feet wide. The inner wall, near its
southern extremity, curves inward along the terrace-bank for a considerable
distance. The first, or creek terrace, is a low alluvion, not subject to
overflow. It is evident, however, that the creek once ran at the base of the
natural bank (now bounding one side of this work), probably at the period
of its construction and occupancy.

PLATE XI. No. 2.

This work affords a very fair illustration of one portion of the defensive
structures of the West, already alluded to in the general remarks on the
subject, at the p030 beginning of this chapter. It occurs in Oxford township,
Butler county, Ohio (Lot 6, Sec. 31, Tp. 5, Range 2, E. M.), at a point on
Four Mile creek, where that stream forms a remarkable bend, constituting a
peninsula one thousand and sixty feet across at its neck, and one thousand
three hundred and twenty feet deep. This peninsula is, in fact, a bold head-
land, with precipitous banks, rising sixty feet above the water in the creek,
and overlooking the low bottoms that surround it. Across the neck of this
peninsula is carried a crescent-shaped wall with an outer ditch. The wall is
now but little over three feet in height, and the ditch of corresponding
depth. Formerly it was much higher, precluding cultivation. It has been
reduced by the present occupant, who has ploughed along it longitudinally,
throwing the furrows into the ditch,—a common practice, which is fast
reducing and obliterating these interesting monuments of antiquity. A single
gateway twenty feet wide leads into the enclosure, which has an area of
twenty acres. A terrace, apparently artificial, and thirty feet wide, occurs on
the northern bank, at about midway from the water to the top. It may be a
natural feature, and caused by the subsidence of the bank from the
undermining of the stream. The creek, at one time, unquestionably ran close

under the banks of the peninsula; whether or not the recession, leaving the
intervening low bottom, B, took place subsequently to the erection of the
work, it is of course impossible to determine.
In this work will be remarked the lapping round of the parapet, on the
natural bank of the stream at b ,—a feature heretofore mentioned, as
probably designed to protect the flank of the defence.

PLATE XI. No. 3.

Among the works remarkable as possessing double walls, is the one here
presented. It is situated on the Great Miami river, four miles south-west of
the town of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio. The plan obviates the necessity
of a detailed description. The outer line of defence consists of a simple
embankment five feet high, with an exterior ditch four feet deep. It has a
single gateway fifteen feet wide. There are apparent gateways at a a , but
the ditch only is interrupted.
Interior to this line of embankment, is another of less dimensions, having
also but one opening. At b is a large broad mound, over which, and
somewhat below the summit on the outer side, the inner line of
embankment is carried. The ditch also continues uninterruptedly over the
mound, which is thirty feet high. From its summit, a view of the entire work
and surrounding country is commanded. Another mound, ten feet high,
occurs at the point indicated in the plan. It is composed of stone and gravel,
apparently taken from the river, and probably belongs to the class of
mounds denominated “sacrificial,”—the characteristics of p031 which are
explained in another chapter. At c , the outer wall appears to have formerly
extended down to a lower level; but it has been much obliterated by the
washing of the bank. The natural banks, on the side towards the river and
next to Big Run, are inaccessibly steep, and between sixty and seventy feet
high.

XII. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. Duck River, Franklin Co. Tennessee.
No. 2. Preble Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Greene Co. Ohio.
No. 4. Ross Co. Ohio.

The area, embraced within the exterior lines, is a trifle less than eighteen
acres. The defensive character of this work can hardly be doubted. It has
been suggested that the large mound, over which the inner wall is carried,
was designed as a look-out, or alarm post. This may not have been its
primary, but it is not impossible that such was its secondary purpose.

PLATE XII. No. 1.
STONE WORK, ON DUCK RIVER, TENNESSEE. 23

This work is situated in Franklin county, Tennessee, at the junction of the
east and west branches of Duck river, and near the main road from
Nashville to Winchester.
“It includes an area of about thirty-two acres. The walls are composed of
stones of various sizes, collected from the surface of the surrounding
country, and rudely thrown together; there is no appearance of their having
been united by cement, nor do they exhibit any marks of the hammer. The
wall on the south is covered with a layer of earth from one to two feet deep,
and is about sixteen feet in thickness at the base, about five feet at the top,
and from eight to ten feet high.
“At the northern extremity, near the front wall, are two conical mounds
of stone, designated by M, M, in the plan. Each of these mounds is about
six feet high, and ten feet in diameter at the base; originally they may have
been of somewhat greater altitude, and being on the exterior of the wall,
may have been intended as watch towers. In the rear of the mounds is the
northern wall, extending to a high bank on either branch of Duck river, and
opposite to a waterfall on each, of ten or twelve feet in height. In the
northern wall is an entrance or gateway, and in the rear of the gateway are
what appear to be the remains of two stone buildings p032 (exaggerated in
the plan), one about sixteen feet square, the other about ten feet; the stones

are rough and unhewn. Stretching south, the walls are continued on both
sides until they reach the points a a , at a bold limestone bluff, which forms
a good natural defence. South of the bluff the walls are continued of the
same height and thickness, until they reach the angles of the wall fronting
the south, which wall also extends from the bank of one river to the other,
and has a gateway nearly opposite to that in the northern wall. At the points
a a , it is supposed by many who have examined this work, there were
formerly excavated passages leading to each branch of Duck river, with
steps cut in the rock. There does not, however, appear to be sufficient
evidence to sustain this conclusion. The ascent or descent is not very
difficult; the steps appear to be formed by the projection of the rock strata;
and it was no doubt by these passages that the occupants of the work
gained access to the river, and were supplied with water.
“Near the base of the wall on the south side is a ditch, from sixteen to
twenty feet wide, and six or eight deep. A short distance farther from the
southern wall is another and much more extensive ditch or excavation. In
some places it is seventy or eighty feet wide, and from twenty-five to thirty
feet deep. The earth from these ditches was probably removed to cover the
walls of the fort, or employed in the erection of the neighboring mounds,
while the ditches themselves constituted an additional means of defence.
“About three quarters of a mile north of this work is a mound of an
oblong form, about twenty-five feet high, one hundred feet long, and
twenty broad. On the north-west, about half a mile distant, is another
mound of similar form, twenty feet high, eighty long, and sixty wide. These
mounds are constructed with the same regularity that distinguishes all the
other works of similar character. On both these mounds, trees are growing
as large as any in the surrounding forests.
“This work differs in its form, and in the material used in its
construction, from all others in the vicinity; but it does not exhibit greater
evidence of skill. The difference in form was probably owing to its
location; it having evidently been made to conform in all respects to the
nature of the ground. Stones were employed because they could be readily
procured. Although the hammer had nothing to do with the preparation of
the materials, it was nevertheless a work of great labor, and the place of
location was selected with a military eye.”

Numerous other defensive works are represented to exist in Tennessee;
but very few of them have been surveyed and described. In Bedford county
there is a stone work of considerable size, the walls of which are said to be
from sixteen to twenty feet wide at the base, and four to five feet wide on
the top. Other works adjoin it. It is generally believed to have been erected
by De Soto; but in 1819 an oak-tree standing on the wall was cut down,
which exhibited three hundred and fifty-seven annual layers, and must
consequently have been seventy-eight years old when De Soto landed in
Florida.24
A stone work, less in size, but of the same general character, occurs in
Larue p033 county, Kentucky. It is situated on one of the bluffs of the
Rolling Fork of Salt river, where the creek makes a sharp bend. A plan of it
is published in Collins’s History of Kentucky, p. 398. An account of
another, of much the same character, in Allen county, is published in the
same work, p. 167.

PLATE XII. No. 2.

This work is situated at the junction of the two principal forks of Twin
creek, an affluent of the Great Miami river, six miles south-east of the town
of Eaton, Preble county, Ohio, on S. E. corner of Sec. No. 10, Township 5,
of Range 3, E. M. The plan is from a survey by Mr. M C B RIDE .
In position and mode of construction, this work does not differ materially
from a number of others already described. The embankment has an
average height of about four feet, and the ditch is not far from five feet
deep. The bluff bordering upon the Franklin fork of the creek is for the most
part precipitous, and has an average height of between fifty and sixty feet.
At its base are several never-failing springs. The height of the bluff fronting
upon the other fork varies from thirty feet near the end of the wall, to sixty
feet at the junction of the two streams. At its highest part, the bluff consists
of a conglomerate, composed of gravel and stones of considerable size. It is
very porous, and overhangs about ten feet. There are a number of large
cavities in it, which were once supposed to be artificial, and the entrances to

subterranean chambers. They are formed by the disintegration of the
materials composing the bluff.
Nearly in the centre of the work, in the position indicated in the plan, is a
line of large stones. They occupy a space about seven hundred feet long, by
twelve broad, and are laid compactly together. Though much sunk in the
earth, they are yet distinctly traceable.

PLATE XII. No. 3. 25

The fortification here presented affords a fine illustration of the character
of the ancient defences of the West. It is situated on Massie’s creek, a
tributary of the Little Miami river, seven miles east from the town of Xenia,
Greene county, p034 Ohio; and consists of a high promontory, bounded on
all sides, excepting an interval at the west, by a precipitous limestone cliff.
Across the isthmus, from which the ground gradually subsides towards the
plain almost as regularly as an artificial glacis, is carried a wall of earth and
stones. This wall is now about ten feet high by thirty feet base, and is
continued for some distance along the edge of the cliff where it is least
precipitous, on the north. It is interrupted by three narrow gateways,
exterior to each of which was formerly a mound of stones, now mostly
carried away. Still exterior to these are four short crescent walls, extending
across the isthmus. These crescents are rather slight, not much exceeding, at
the present time, three feet in height. The cliff has an average height of
upwards of twenty-five feet, and is steep and almost inaccessible. At d d are
breaks in the limestone, where the declivity is sufficiently gentle to admit of
a passage on horseback. At E is a fissure in the cliff, where persons may
ascend on foot. The valley, or rather ravine, C C, is three hundred feet
broad. Massie’s creek, a considerable stream, washes the base of the
promontory on the north. The area bounded by the cliff and embankment is
not far from twelve acres. The whole is now covered with the primitive
forest.
The natural strength of this position is great, and no inconsiderable
degree of skill has been expended in perfecting its defences. A palisade, if

carried around the brow of the cliff and along the summit of the wall, would
render it impregnable to savage assault. About one hundred rods above this
work, on the opposite side of the creek, is a small circle, two hundred feet
in diameter, enclosing a mound. About the same distance below, upon the
same bank, is a large conical mound, thirty feet in height and one hundred
and forty feet in diameter at the base. No other works of magnitude are
known to exist, nearer than the great defensive structure on the Little Miami
(Plate VII.), twenty-one miles distant.

PLATE XII. No. 4.

This work, unlike those just described, occurs upon the high table-land
bordering the Scioto river bottoms, on the west bank of that stream, twelve
miles above the city of Chillicothe. It consists of a single wall and ditch,
cutting off a high promontory, formed by the declivity of the table land, and
the bank of a wide and deep ravine. These banks are not far from one
hundred feet in height, and at most points are absolutely inaccessible. It has
a single gateway, opening towards a copious spring, at the head of the
ravine just mentioned. The wall is four feet high, and the ditch of
corresponding depth. There are no mounds within this enclosure, nor in its
immediate vicinity; but a number of natural elevations are discernible,
which an unpractised eye might mistake for works of art. In this instance,
they may have subserved some of the purposes of the mounds. p035 The
water flowing through the ditch has formed deep gullies at the points where
it terminates. The soil is here clayey and hard. The level at the foot of the
promontory upon which this work stands, is the first or latest-formed
terrace of the Scioto; indicating that the river, at one period, swept along
where the Ohio canal now passes.

XIII. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. In Bourbon Co. Kentucky.
No. 2. Near Colerain, Butler Co. Ohio.

PLATE XIII. No. 1.
[From the R AFINESQUE MSS.]

This work, which seems incontestibly of a defensive character, is situated
on Stoner’s creek, at the mouth of Flat Run, in Bourbon county, Kentucky.
The wall throughout is composed of earth, and is slight, not exceeding three
or four feet in height. A number of mounds and excavations occur within
the enclosure, together with other remains, consisting of raised outlines, two
or three feet broad and one foot high. These are indicated by the letter a ,
and are denominated “remains of dwellings” by Rafinesque. Twenty of
them are found within, and fourteen without the walls; the latter occupying
the point of land to the north of the enclosure. The larger one is called “the
palace” by our fanciful authority, and is represented to be eighty feet long
by seventy-five broad. To the north of “the palace” is an elliptical, hollow
area, fifteen feet deep; it is indicated by the letter c . A number of irregular
excavations are marked by the letter d . The Lexington road passes through
this work.

PLATE XIII. No. 2. 26
[From the Surveys and Notes of J AMES M C B RIDE .]

This work is one of the first magnitude; and in many respects bears a
close resemblance to the great work on the North fork of Paint creek. (See
Plate IX.) It is situated near the village of Coleraine, Hamilton county,
Ohio, on the right bank of the Great Miami river, and encloses an area of
ninety-five acres. The walls have an average height of nine feet, and have
an exterior ditch of proportionate dimensions. The terrace upon which the
work is located is thirty feet above the usual stage of water in the river. p036

The outwork, of which A is an enlarged plan, possesses all the features of
a bastion, and was perhaps designed as such. It could hardly have been
intended as a gateway; for, although the ditch is interrupted for a narrow
space at c , the embankment is unbroken.
The transverse section of the wall, a b , demonstrates the artificial origin
of the work, which it is not probable any one would be disposed to deny.
The upheaved gravel upon the exterior side of the wall, wherever it is under
cultivation, supports dwarfed and sickly maize; while on the inner side, the
grain is luxuriant. This feature and its cause are indicated in the section.
This work, which was undoubtedly defensive, commands a large
peninsula, two miles in circumference, formed by a singular bend in the
river. About two hundred paces distant from this enclosure, in a southern
direction, is the site of old Fort Dunlap, somewhat celebrated in the early
history of the Miami valley. It was invested by the notorious Simon Girty,
with a force of six hundred Indians, in 1791, without success. Some
distance from the fort, and still further to the south, is a hill three hundred
feet in altitude, upon the top of which are two mounds, measuring five and
ten feet in height, respectively. They are composed of earth and stones,
considerably burned.

PLATE XIV.

N UMBER 1.—This work is situated near the north line of Pickaway
county, Ohio, on the right bank of the Scioto river. It is entirely analogous
to many of those already described; and is only remarkable as possessing
three lines of embankment, with corresponding ditches, as shown by the
section a b . “The ditches are here interior to the walls, which circumstance
is adverse to the idea of a defensive origin. The situation, however, with a
steep bank and deep water on one side, and deep ravines with precipitous
banks on the others, is one of great natural strength and adaptation for
defence. The walls are now very slight.”

XIV. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. Pickaway Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Franklin Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Fayette Co. Kentucky.
No. 4. 6 miles from Lexington, Fay­ette Co. Ken­tucky.

N UMBER 2.—This work is, in most respects, similar to the one last
described. It is situated four and a half miles north of Worthington,
Franklin county, Ohio, on the left bank of Olentangy creek. The artificial
defences consist simply of an embankment of earth, three feet in height,
with an exterior ditch of corresponding depth. The natural defences are
sufficiently obvious. Both of these plans are from surveys by C HARLES
W HITTLESEY, Esq.
N UMBERS 3 AND 4.—The character of these works is sufficiently
explained by the engravings. From the position of the ditch and other

obvious circumstances, they have been classed as of defensive origin.
They are from the Rafinesque MSS. p037

PLATE XV.
ANCIENT WORKS IN NORTHERN OHIO.

The succeeding plans and descriptions, relating to aboriginal monuments
of northern Ohio, were communicated by C HARLES W HITTLESEY, Esq., of
Cleveland, whose archæological researches have been both extensive and
accurate.

XV. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. Norwalk, Huron Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Near Conneaut, Ashtibula Co. Ohio.
No. 3. 3 Miles S. E. of Cleve­land, Cuy­ah­ oga Co. Ohio.

N UMBER 1. Ancient Works near Norwalk, Huron county, Ohio. —“The
relative positions of the various works composing this group are given by
the eye; they are nevertheless sufficiently accurate. The individual works
are laid down from actual survey.
“The enclosure A is principally in a field long cultivated, and is scarcely
traceable. The ditch is exterior to the wall, and exists only upon the north-
west and south-west sides. The walls were very much reduced: when first
seen by the whites, they scarcely exceeded eighteen inches in height. The
ditch was of corresponding depth.
“The enclosure B occupies a promontory of gravelly land, elevated
about forty feet above the creek. The detached circular work D is nearly
obliterated by the plough. It had a slight exterior ditch, as had also a part
of the main work B. The present height of the wall is from one to two and
a half feet; depth of ditch somewhat less. The breadth of the
embankments, at the base, varies from fifteen to thirty feet. Within the
enclosure B is an elevation of earth, a , of a rectangular form, about three
feet high, from which a low embankment extends to the outer wall. At b is
a similar elevation connected with the wall. Exterior to the work, and
occupying the point of the headland on which it stands, is a small mound,
from which a skull was taken some years since, and deposited in the
museum of the Willoughby University of Lake Erie. In it were also found
the two valves of what is described as a clam shell , each having three
holes near the beak, suggesting the probability of a handle having been
attached at that point, so as to constitute a spoon or ladle. Besides these
were found two pipes of clay, and one of white marble, partly
disintegrated, about two and a half inches high; also, a flat piece of a hard
grayish slate, half an inch thick, wrought to an edge at the broad end, with
a hole pierced obliquely through it, called by the finders ‘a hoe.’ A small
earthen vessel, of coarse material and rude finish, holding about a pint,
accompanied these relics. All these articles were taken from the vicinity of

coals and ashes, and burned human bones. In the hands of one of the
skeletons were pieces of clay, which had evidently been placed in them
while in a plastic state, inasmuch as they still retained the impressions of
the fingers, joints, and palms.27 p038
“The work C occupies a corresponding position with those already
described, as belonging to this group. The peninsula upon which it is
situated is approachable only from the south. Upon this side the ditch is
irregular. The mounds of the central group have been opened; but it is not
known with what results. They are quite low, not exceeding three feet in
height. The wall of this work is very slight. At the south-west is a graded
passage to the lower level of the river bottom.
“Huron river or creek, several branches of which join it at this point, is
always fordable; and the bluffs which surround the enclosures are not very
difficult of ascent. These works may have been designed for defence,—
perhaps they were ‘walled towns;’ but they do not occupy positions of
great natural strength. The grounds adjacent to the river are low, and in
places swampy: the river evidently once ran at the base of the bluff
occupied by the enclosure B.”
N UMBER 2. Ancient Work near Conneaut, Ashtabula county, Ohio.
—“This work is at present very slight, but distinctly traceable. The sketch
is a mere coup d’œil , without measurements. The elevation of the bluff
upon which it stands is about seventy feet; and the banks of aluminous
slate are, upon the north, very precipitous. It would be entirely
impracticable for a body of men to ascend upon this side, without ladders
and scaling apparatus. Upon the south side it would be practicable for an
assailant to ascend, unless prevented by some artificial obstacle. Upon this
side, the wall which skirts the brow of the hill is accompanied by an outer
ditch, while upon the north there is a simple embankment. The ascent, C C,
is gradual and easy. Within the enclosure the earth is very black and rich;
outside of the walls it is a stiff clay. The adjacent bottoms are very fertile,
and the creek is everywhere fordable. There can be no doubt that this was a
fortified position.”
Near the village of Conneaut are a number of mounds, and other traces
of an ancient population, among which is an aboriginal cemetery regularly

laid out, and of great extent.
N UMBER 3. Ancient Work three miles south-east of Cleveland,
Cuyahoga county, Ohio. —“This stronghold is on the great plain which
extends some miles back from the shores of Lake Erie, gently declining
towards it, and by many supposed to have been its ancient bed. Many
portions of this plain are two hundred feet above the present surface of the
lake. The marl, sand, and gravel deposits, of which this formation is made
up, are from one hundred to three hundred feet thick.
“These materials are readily washed away by rains, springs, and
rivulets; so that the flat region is intersected by numberless deep and
narrow ravines, leaving bluff headlands, and furnishing the ancient people
with numerous positions protected on nearly every side by deep gullies and
high precipitous banks, and capable, with little artificial aid, of easy
defence. These features of the country, and the manner in which they were
made available for defensive purposes, are well illustrated in the example
here presented. The isthmus connecting this promontory with the general
table is but about two hundred feet wide, and is defended by parallel lines
p039 of embankments accompanied by exterior ditches. There seems to be
no gateway or opening through the outer line; the inner one, however,
terminates before reaching the bank of the ravine on the left, leaving a
narrow passage-way upon that side. The natural banks have an angle of
forty-five to sixty degrees with the horizon, and are in many places wet
and slippery, and utterly inaccessible. About one-fourth of a mile to the
eastward of this work, is a mound ten feet high, by sixty feet in diameter at
the base.”
F IG. 4.—“This work is situated on the right bank of Black river, in
Sheffield township, Lorain county, Ohio. The bank of the river is here
nearly perpendicular and quite impossible of ascent, except by ropes or
something equivalent, and is about sixty feet high. The water level of the
lake reaches to this spot, and the river is in consequence too deep to be
forded. The position seems to have been selected for the purpose of
defence, although the land back of it is on the same level.

“The artificial defences consist of double
embankments, with an intermediate ditch.
The embankments are very slight, not
much exceeding a foot in height. It is not
improbable that the ditch was occupied by
wooden pickets, supported by
embankments on either side. The work
could not have afforded any protection,
except with additional defences,—
Fig. 4. palisades, or something of the sort. Within
the enclosure the soil is very rich; but
without, it is clayey and poor. The gateway, opening to the north, is forty
feet wide.”
F IG. 5.—“This work is situated in the
same township with that last described. It
is bounded upon three sides by a vertical
slate bluff, and defended upon the fourth
by a double line of embankments, with
accompanying exterior ditches. The height
of the walls is about eight feet, measuring
from the bottom of the ditches. There is an
opening or passage-way through the outer
line, but none through the inner. We may
account for this circumstance by supposing
Fig. 5.
the latter to have been thrown up after the
commencement of a siege. As usual, the
soil within this work is very rich compared with that without the walls.
Under any mode of attack known to barbarians, this must have been an
impregnable work. Upon the other side of the creek, are bluffs of equal
height with that upon which this defence is located; but they are too far
distant to afford positions of annoyance to besiegers.” p040

F IG. 6.—“This work is situated upon the
Cuyahoga river, eight miles above
Cleveland, Ohio. It corresponds, in all
essential particulars, with the one on the
same stream, five miles below, which has
already been described. The ground has
been so long under cultivation that the
parallels are with difficulty traced; they are
not more than a foot or eighteen inches
Fig. 6. high. The ditch is of corresponding depth.
Between the lines there is a depression,—
undoubtedly artificial in its origin, but now much deepened by rains. The
soil is a clay-loam, and the area very difficult of access from all sides. The
bluff is here from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet high.”
F IG. 7.—“This work is situated on the
Cuyahoga river, two miles below that last
described, with which it coincides in
respect to position. It has, however, but a
single wall and ditch; the latter is from two
to four feet deep, the former of
proportionate height. There is a gateway or
unexcavated passage across the ditch, but
no corresponding opening in the
Fig. 7.
embankment. There is, however, a narrow,
unprotected space between the left end of
the defences and the bluff. The elevation of the ground is here about two
hundred feet above the river, the soil sandy, and lately put under
cultivation. The bluff is steep and difficult of ascent. Water is found in the
adjacent ravines, which are narrow and deep.”
F IG. 8.—“This work is situated on the right bank of the Maumee river,
two miles above Toledo, in Wood county, Ohio. The water of the river is
here deep and still, and of the lake level; the bluff is about thirty-five feet

high. Since the work was built, the current has
undermined a portion, and parts of the
embankment are to be seen on the slips at a a . The
country for miles in all directions is flat and wet,
though heavily timbered, as is the space in and
around this enclosure. The walls, measuring from
the bottoms of the ditches, are from three to four
feet high. They are not of uniform dimensions
throughout their extent; and as there is no ditch on
Fig. 8. the south-west side, while there is a double wall
and ditch elsewhere, it is presumable that the work
was abandoned before it was finished.” p041
“Nothing can be more plain, than that most of the remains in northern
Ohio, particularly those on the Cuyahoga river, are military works. There
have not yet been found any remnants of timber in the walls; yet it is very
safe to presume that palisades were planted on them, and that wooden
posts and gates were erected at the passages left in the embankments and
ditches.
“All the positions are contiguous to water; and none of them have higher
land in their vicinity, from which they might in any degree be commanded.
Of the works bordering on the shore of Lake Erie, through the State of
Ohio, there are none but may have been intended for defence; although in
some of them the design is not perfectly manifest. They form a line from
Conneaut to Toledo, at a distance of from three to five miles from the lake;
and all stand upon or near the principal rivers. There are probably five of
them as yet unknown, to one that has been publicly noticed. In the interior
of the State, so far as my observation has extended, this class of works is
wanting. Their place is supplied by larger works, situated on low lands,
their strength depending more on artifice than on position.28 They are so
different, that I am disposed to regard them, not only as designed for other
purposes, but as the work of another and probably later people.
“The most natural inference in respect to the northern cordon of works
is, that they formed a well-occupied line, constructed either to protect the

advance of a nation landing from the lake and moving southward for
conquest; or, a line of resistance for a people inhabiting these shores and
pressed upon by their southern neighbors. The scarcity of mounds, the
absence of pyramids of earth, which are so common on the Ohio, the want
of rectangular and other regular works, at the north,—all these differences
tend to the conclusion that the northern part of Ohio was occupied by a
distinct people.
“At the north there is generally more than one wall of earth, and the
ditches are invariably exterior. There are sometimes passages, or ‘sally-
ports,’ through the outer parallel, and none through the inner one. There is
also, in general, a space between the parallels sufficiently large to contain a
considerable body of fighting men. By whatever people these works were
built, they were much engaged in offensive or defensive wars. At the
south, on the other hand, agriculture and religion seem to have chiefly
occupied the attention of the ancient people.
“In view of the above facts, we may venture to suggest a hypothesis,
without undertaking to assign to it any more than a basis of probability.
Upon the assumption that two distinct nations occupied the State,—that the
northern were warlike, and the southern peaceful and agricultural in their
habits,—may we not suppose that the latter were overcome by their
northern neighbors, who built the military works to be observed upon the
Ohio and its tributaries, while the more regular structures are the remains
of the conquered people?” p042
The differences between the northern and southern earthworks, pointed
out by Mr. Whittlesey, are not greater than would naturally be exhibited
between the structures of a sparse frontier population, and those erected by
more central and dense communities. Works, generally corresponding with
those here described, are found still further to the northward and eastward;
extending to the Genesee river and its tributaries in New-York, and even to
the head waters of the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania,—which seems to
have been the extreme limit to which the mound-builders penetrated in that
direction. From plans previously presented, it will be seen that precisely
analogous works occur in Kentucky and Tennessee. It will be seen also, in

a succeeding chapter, on the “Antiquities of the Southern States,” that
similar structures are found in Mississippi, and elsewhere along the Gulf.
The examples of defensive works here presented will serve to give a
very accurate conception of this class of structures. By a minute attention
to their various details, we are prepared to estimate the judgment, skill, and
industry of their builders. No one can rise from such an examination,
except with the conviction that the race, by whom these works were
erected, possessed no inconsiderable knowledge of the science of defence,
—a degree of knowledge much superior to that known to have been
possessed by the hunter tribes of North America previous to the discovery
by Columbus, or indeed subsequent to that event. Their number and
magnitude must also impress the inquirer with enlarged notions of the
power of the people commanding the means for their construction, and
whose numbers required such extensive works for their protection. It is not
impossible that, like the defensive enclosures of the Polynesian Islanders,
they were to a certain extent designed to embrace cultivated fields, so as to
furnish the means of subsistence to their defenders, in the event of a
protracted siege. There is no other foundation, however, for this
suggestion, than that furnished by the great size of some of them. The
population that found shelter within their walls must have been
exceedingly large, if their dimensions may be taken as the basis of a
calculation.
There is no positive evidence that the mound-builders fully understood
the value of the bastion in their works of defence; although they seem, in
some instances, to have secured the projecting points of the hills on which
their defences are situated, with a view of enfilading the walls. The
fortified hill near the mouth of the Great Miami, (Plate IX,) and Fort Hill,
in Highland county, afford examples. These projecting points could
however, from their wide distance apart, but very imperfectly answer the
purpose of bastions; and the supposition that they were thus used is
rendered less probable, from the fact that the walls oftener cut off these
points than accommodate themselves to them. It is not improbable,
notwithstanding the absence of direct evidence to that effect, that bastions

of wood were erected at intervals along the walls. Such constructions
would undeniably be the most simple and efficient for the purposes
desired. The numerous openings in the walls of many of these works,
although indiscriminately denominated gateways, were clearly not always
designed as such. It is not unwarrantable to suppose that they mark the
positions of wooden constructions, like the block-houses of later times,
p043 which projected beyond the walls, and answered the double purpose
of bastions and watch-towers. The very regular intervals between these
openings, particularly in the great work on the Little Miami, (Plate VII,)
and the Fortified Hill in Highland county, just mentioned, (Plate V,) would
seem to favor this hypothesis. Of course we cannot now expect to find any
traces of wooden structures, even if such entered into the original defences.
The walls of earth and stone which constitute all that remains to us of
these aboriginal fortifications, although often high and heavy, would
nevertheless, in themselves, furnish very imperfect means of protection
and resistance. Earth cannot be heaped up so as very much to impede an
assailant; and the stone works, as far as noticed, do not appear to have
been constructed of stone regularly laid, so as to present a vertical or
inaccessible front to an enemy. These circumstances render it sufficiently
obvious that the walls were surmounted by palisades, or by something
equivalent. We are sustained in this conclusion by the concurrent practices
of all nations, known to construct permanent works of this description. The
ramparts of the Roman camps were strengthened by stakes fixed on the
top; and to this day, the walls of E’Pas , or entrenched hills of the New
Zealanders, are surmounted by palisades. Such also is the present practice
of some of the tribes on the Missouri,—the Minatarees, Rickarees, and
others. The walls of some works, which, from their position and other
circumstances, are manifestly of defensive origin, are so slight that it
would be absurd to suppose them designed for protection, unless crowned
with palisades. Most of those of northern Ohio are subject to this remark. It
has been asserted by certain writers on American antiquities, that traces of
palisades are yet to be seen in some of them. Aside from the palpable
improbability of anything of the sort, it is proper to remark that no such

evidences have been observed in the course of our own investigations. A
very few years of exposure would suffice to obliterate all traces of wood in
these constructions.
We have already had occasion to remark the skill with which the
gateways or entrances to these enclosures are sometimes protected by
over-lapping or concentric walls, horn-works, etc. It is rational to conclude
that means were made use of by the builders to close the entrances
effectually, when desired. How this object was accomplished is, of course,
entirely a matter of conjecture. The Australians, in case of alarm,
completely close their entrenchments with stones or other obstructions.
Entrance is effected only by a succession of posts of different lengths, like
a stile, or by the aid of notched trees.
In connection with many of the defensive structures, mounds are
occasionally to be found, so placed as to suggest the purposes of watch-
towers, look-outs, or alarm-posts. They are sometimes exterior, and
sometimes interior to the walls of the enclosures, and occasionally
incorporated with them. Plate XI (Nos. 1 and 3) affords examples. It is
possible that this was not the primary, perhaps not even the secondary
purpose of these mounds. Proper excavations would settle the question. In
the absence of these, we can only appeal to such light as analogy affords us
in our inquiry. Such mounds were erected by the ancient Britons for
purposes of observation, both in advance of their other defences and within
them; p044 and the early Spanish writers speak of similar erections, for
similar purposes, by the Floridian Indians. The New Zealanders compass
the same ends by raising a tree, the branches of which have been lopped
off within a few inches of the trunk, at some elevated point within their
works.
The almost invariable presence of water within, or in immediate
proximity to these enclosures, has been the occasion of frequent remark in
the foregoing descriptions. In the absence of springs and streams, as also
where, from position, access to such supplies of water is impracticable, we
find their place supplied by reservoirs; an evidence of the forethought of

the builders, as also an index to the true character of the works in which
these features occur.
The vast amount of labor necessary to the erection of most of these
works precludes the notion that they were hastily constructed to check a
single or unexpected invasion. On the contrary, there seems to have existed
a System of Defences extending from the sources of the Alleghany and
Susquehanna in New York, diagonally across the country, through central
and northern Ohio, to the Wabash. Within this range, the works which are
regarded as defensive are largest and most numerous. If an inference may
be drawn from this fact, it is that the pressure of hostilities was from the
north-east; or that, if the tide of migration flowed from the south, it
received its final check upon this line. On the other hypothesis, that in this
region originated a semi-civilization which subsequently spread
southward, constantly developing itself in its progress, until it attained its
height in Mexico, we may suppose that from this direction came the hostile
savage hordes, before whose incessant attacks the less warlike mound-
builders gradually receded, or beneath whose exterminating cruelty those
who occupied this frontier entirely disappeared, leaving these monuments
alone to attest their existence, and the extraordinary skill with which they
defended their altars and their homes. Upon either assumption, it is clear
that the contest was a protracted one, and that the race of the mounds were
for a long period constantly exposed to attack.29 This conclusion finds its
support in the fact that, in the vicinity of those localities, where, from the
amount of remains, it appears the ancient population was most dense, we
almost invariably find one or more works of a defensive character,
furnishing ready places of resort in times of danger. We may suppose that a
condition of things prevailed somewhat analogous to that which attended
the advance of our pioneer population, when every settlement had its little
fort, to which the people flocked in case of alarm or attack.
It may be suggested that there existed among the mound-builders a state
of society something like that which prevailed among the Indians; that
each tribe had its separate seat, maintaining, with its own independence, an
almost constant warfare against its neighbors, and, as a consequence,

possessing its own “castle,” as a place of final resort when invaded by a
powerful foe. Apart from the fact, p045 however, that the Indians were
hunters averse to labor, and not known to have constructed any works
approaching in skilfulness of design or in magnitude those under notice,
there is almost positive evidence that the mound-builders were an
agricultural people, considerably advanced in the arts, possessing a great
uniformity throughout the whole territory which they occupied, in
manners, habits, and religion,—a uniformity sufficiently well marked to
identify them as a single people, having a common origin, common modes
of life, and, as an almost necessary consequence, common sympathies, if
not a common and consolidated government.
The question whether the North American Indians constructed defensive
works of this description, is one of much importance, but which cannot be
fully discussed in this connection. All the early writers concur in
representing that the Indian tribes, from Florida to Canada, possessed
common modes of defending their villages and protecting themselves from
the attacks of their enemies. Their fortifications consisted of rows of
pickets firmly fixed in the ground, sometimes wattled together, but
occasionally placed so far apart, as to permit missiles of various kinds to
be discharged between them upon an assailant.30 They seldom had more
than a single entrance, which, among the Floridians, was not direct, but
circuitous. Entrenchments of earth, consisting of an embankment and
ditch, do not appear to have been constructed by them. It seems, however,
that of late years, the Indians to the westward of the Mississippi,
particularly the Mandans and Rickarees, have constructed entrenchments
of earth, surmounted by palisades.31 But whether the practice is of recent
introduction or otherwise, it is difficult to say. It is stated by Prince
Maximilian, in his Travels in America, that the defences of the Mandan
village of Mih-tutta-hang-kush, which consisted of a wall and ditch, were
built by whites, who were employed by the Indians for that purpose.32
The defences of the nations of the central portion of the Continent, and
especially those of the Mexicans and Peruvians, so far as we are informed
concerning them, bore a close resemblance to those of the mound-builders,

although exhibiting a superiority entirely consonant with the further
advance which we are justified in supposing they had made in all the arts,
including the art of defence.33 Some reference has already been had to the
actual identity which a few of the defences of the West exhibit with those
of Mexico, in some of their most interesting features. These resemblances
might be pointed out in detail, but they will readily suggest themselves to
the Archæologist. The usual mode of fortification in Peru consisted in
throwing up a series of embankments around the summits of isolated hills,
—a practice which was common among the ancient Celts, and which is
still preserved among the Australian and Polynesian islanders.34 Ulloa
observes, p046 in respect to their numbers, that “one scarcely meets with a
mountain without them.” Precisely similar modes of defence prevailed
among the savage South American tribes, who invariably crowned their
entrenchments of earth with palisades of wood.35
The traces of ancient fortifications in the northern part of the State of
New York, and upon the head waters of the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania,
may, it is believed, be referred with entire safety to the same hands with
those of the Mississippi valley. It will be seen that they have a close
resemblance to those of northern Ohio, both in position and structure.

FOOTNOTES TO CHAPTER II.

8 This observation is confirmed by all who have given attention to the subject, in the
Ohio and Upper Mississippi valleys. Along the Gulf, and at points on the Lower Mississippi,
where the entire country is low, and subject to inundation, and where the operation of natural
causes is rather to elevate than depress the beds of the streams, some of the ancient works are
invaded by water.
9 This work is marked C in the “Map of a Section of Six Miles of the Paint Creek
Valley ,” Plate III.
10 It has been suggested that perhaps the walls of stone were sustained or surmounted
by wooden structures of some sort, the destruction of which, in whole or in part, by fire,
caused the appearances noticed in the text. The suggestion that these are the traces of “ancient
furnaces,” is not to be entertained for an instant.
11 This work was first described, though not first surveyed, by Professor L OCKE, of
Cincinnati, in 1838. His description and plan—to the accuracy and fidelity of which every

visitor can bear witness—were published in the “Second Annual Report of the Geological
Survey of Ohio.”
12 This sandstone, it should be remarked, to prevent misapprehension, is the “Waverley
sandstone,” underlying the coal series, and which is found capping most of the hills in this
region. It occurs in successive layers, of from a few inches to several feet in thickness. It is
quite friable, and quarries readily.
13 “One of the mounds at Marietta must be more than eight hundred years old; for Dr.
Hildreth counted eight hundred rings of annual growth in a tree which grew upon it.”—Lyell’s
Travels in North America , vol. ii. p. 29. See also Second Geological Report of the State of
Ohio , p. 268.
14 De Solis describes this Tlascalan work as “a great wall which ran from one mountain
to the other, entirely stopping up the way: a sumptuous and strong piece of building which
showed the power and greatness of the owner. The outside was of hewn stone cemented with
mortar of extraordinary strength. It was twenty feet thick and a fathom and a half high; and on
the top was a parapet after the manner of our fortifications. The entrance was narrow and
winding; the wall in that part dividing and making two walls, which circularly crossed each
other for the space of ten paces.”—History of the Conquest of Mexico, p. 139.
15 An account of this work, accompanied by a very good plan, appeared in the
“Portfolio,” (a periodical published in Philadelphia,) for the year 1809. Both plan and
description were copied by Mr. Atwater, in his memoir, in the first volume of the
“Archæologia Americana.” It was also briefly described by Dr. Drake, in the chapter on
Antiquities contained in his “View of Cincinnati.” Since that period, it has been the object of
frequent visit and remark.
16 Dr. Drake, in the chapter on antiquities, in his “View of Cincinnati,” has the
following notice of this work:
“The adjacent hill, at the distance of half a mile, and at the greater elevation of about one
hundred feet, is the site of a stone wall, mainly circular, and enclosing perhaps twenty acres.
The valley of the river on one side, and a deep ravine on the other, render access to three-
fourths of this fortification extremely difficult. The wall is carried generally along the brow
of the hill, in one place descending a short distance, so as to include a spring. The silicious
limestone of which it was built, must have been transported from the bed of the river, which,
for two miles opposite these works, does not at present afford one of ten pounds weight. They
exhibit no marks of the hammer or any other tool. The wall was laid up without mortar, and
is now in ruins.”
17 Long’s Second Expedition, vol. i, pp. 54–66.
18 Surveyed by J AMES M C B RIDE, Esq and S AMUEL F ORRER, Esq of the Ohio Board
of Public Works.
19 The above plan is copied from the map accompanying Harrison’s published Address
before the Historical Society of Ohio.—Transactions , vol. i. p. 217.
20 Transactions Historical Society of Ohio, vol. i. p. 225.
21 This work is not placed in the connection which it was designed to occupy. Its
position in the text was determined by circumstances; and its character will be better

understood in the progress of this chapter.
22 This plan is from an original, minute survey by the authors. A plan and description of
the same work were published by Mr. Atwater in the “Archæologia Americana.” It will be
found to differ in some important respects.
23 Two plans of this work exist among the MSS. of Rafinesque, which differ slightly
from each other. One of them coincides, however, in all important particulars with a plan
published some years ago in the “Western Messenger,” and has therefore been adopted as
probably essentially correct. The description in the “Messenger,” which seems to have been
written by an intelligent observer, is also adopted. It is amply sustained by the account of
Judge Haywood, and by other evidence, and it is thought may be relied on in all respects.
24 Haywood’s Tenn. vol. ii.
25 This work is laid down from surveys made by S. T. O WEINS, surveyor of Greene
county, and by L. K. D ILLE, M.D. The survey by Mr. Oweins was kindly communicated by
W. B. Fairchild, Esq. of Xenia. The work has also been personally examined by the authors.
26 This work is marked C, in the map of a “Section of six miles of the Miami valley ,”
Plate III.
27 These relics, as also the skeletons found with them, were probably those of the more
recent Indians, and constituted a second and comparatively late deposit. The burned remains,
doubtless, resulted from the original burial by fire. Incremation was extensively practiced by
the mound builders.
28 “There is a small enclosure on the south line of Franklin county, and another in
Pickaway county, which closely resemble those along the lake shore.” See Plate XIV, Nos. 1
and 2.
29 “The Ohio fortresses were not erected for defence against a casual invasion. The size
of the walls, and the solidity of their construction, show that the danger which they were
designed to arrest was of constant recurrence.”—Harrison’s Discourse , Transactions Ohio
Historical Society , vol. i. p. 263.
30 Charlevoix, Canada, vol. ii. p. 128; Loskiel, p. 53; Du Pratz, Louisiana, p. 375;
Herrara, History of America, vol. v. p. 324.
31 Catlin’s North American Indians, vol. i. p. 81; Lewis and Clark, ubi supra .
32 Travels in North America, pp. 173, 243.
33 De Solis, History of Mexico, p. 54; Juarros, History Guatemala, p. 462; Stephens’s
Yucatan, vol. i. pp. 165, 230; Molina, vol. ii. pp. 10, 68; Ulloa, vol. ii. p. 27.
34 Ellis’s Polynesian Res. vol. i. pp. 313, 314; Cook’s Second Voyage, ubi supra ;
Pollack’s New Zealand, vol. ii. p. 26.
35 Charlevoix, History of Paraguay, vol. i. p. 156.

p047

CHAPTER III.

EARTHWORKS—SACRED ENCLOSURES.

The structure not less than the form and position of a large number of the
Earthworks of the West, and especially of the Scioto valley, render it clear
that they were erected for other than defensive purposes. The small
dimensions of most of the circles, the occurrence of the ditch interior to the
embankments, and the fact that many of them are completely commanded
by adjacent heights, are some of the circumstances which may be
mentioned as sustaining this conclusion.36 We must seek, therefore, in the
connection in which these works are found, and in the character of the
mounds, if such there be within their walls, for the secret of their origin.
And it may be observed, that it is here we discover evidences still more
satisfactory and conclusive than are furnished by their small dimensions
and the other circumstances above mentioned, that they were not intended
for defence. Thus, when we find an enclosure containing a number of
mounds, all of which it is capable of demonstration were religious in their
purposes, or in some way connected with the superstitions of the people
who built them, the conclusion is irresistible, that the enclosure itself was
also deemed sacred, and thus set apart as “tabooed ” or consecrated ground,
—especially where it is obvious, at the first glance, that it possesses none of
the requisites of a military work. But it is not to be concluded that those
enclosures alone, which contain mounds of the description here named,
were designed for sacred purposes. We have reason to believe that the
religious system of the mound-builders, like that of the Aztecs, exercised
among them a great, if not a controlling influence. Their government may
have been, for aught we know, a government of the priesthood; one in
which the priestly and civil functions were jointly exercised, and one

sufficiently powerful to have secured in the Mississippi valley, as it did in
Mexico, the erection of many of those vast monuments, which for ages will
continue to challenge the wonder of men. There may have been certain
superstitious ceremonies, having no connection with the purposes of the
mounds, carried on in enclosures specially dedicated to them. The purposes
of the minor enclosures within and connected with the great defensive work
already described on the banks of the North fork of Paint creek, (Plate X,)
would scarcely admit of a doubt, even though the sacred mounds which
they embrace were wanting. It is a conclusion which every day’s p048
investigation and observation has tended to confirm, that most, perhaps all,
of the earthworks not manifestly defensive in their character, were in some
way connected with the superstitious rites of the builders,—though in what
precise manner, it is, and perhaps ever will be, impossible satisfactorily to
determine.
The general character of these works has already been briefly indicated.
They are mostly regular in their structure, and occupy the broad and level
river bottoms, seldom occurring upon the table lands or where the surface
of the ground is undulating or broken. They are usually square or circular in
form; sometimes they are slightly elliptical. Occasionally we find them
isolated, but more frequently in groups. The greater number of the circles
are of small size, with a nearly uniform diameter of two hundred and fifty
or three hundred feet, and invariably have the ditch interior to the wall.
These have always a single gateway, opening oftenest to the east, though by
no means observing a fixed rule in that respect. It frequently happens that
they have one or more small mounds, of the class denominated sacrificial,
within the walls. These small circles occasionally occur within larger works
of a different character. Apart from these, numerous little circles, from thirty
to fifty feet in diameter, are observed in the vicinity of large works. They
consist of very slight embankments of earth, and have no entrances or
passage ways. It has been suggested that these are the remains of ancient
lodges or buildings. The accounts which we have of the traces left of the
huts of the Mandans and other Indians, at their deserted villages, render this
supposition not improbable. It sometimes happens that we find small circles

embracing large mounds: these can hardly be regarded as of the same
character with that numerous class already noticed.
The larger circles are oftenest found in combination with rectangular
works, connected with them directly, or by avenues. Some of these circles
are of great extent, embracing fifty or more acres. They seldom have a
ditch; but whenever it occurs, it is interior to the wall. As in the case of the
square or rectangular works to which they are attached, (and which, it is
believed, never have ditches, exterior or interior,) the walls are usually
composed of earth taken up evenly from the surface, or from large pits in
the neighborhood. Evident care appears in all cases to have been exercised,
in procuring the material, to preserve the surface of the adjacent plain
smooth, and as far as possible unbroken. This fact is in itself almost
conclusive against the supposition of a defensive design, especially as we
have abundant evidence that the mound-builders understood perfectly the
value of the external fosse in their works of defence. The walls of these
works are, for the most part, comparatively slight, varying from three to
seven feet in height. Sometimes they are quite imposing; as in the case of
the great circle at Newark, Licking county, Ohio; where, at the entrance, the
wall from the bottom of the ditch has a vertical height of not far from thirty
feet. The square or rectangular works, attending these large circles, are of
various dimensions. It has been observed, however, that certain groups are
marked by a great uniformity of size. Five or six of these are noticed in the
succeeding pages; they are exact squares, each measuring one thousand and
eighty feet side,—a coincidence which could not possibly be accidental,
and which must possess some significance. It certainly establishes the p049
existence of some standard of measurement among the ancient people, if
not the possession of some means of determining angles. The rectangular
works have almost invariably gateways at the angles and midway on each
side, all of which are covered by small interior mounds or elevations. In
some of the larger structures the openings are more numerous. A few of this
description of remains have been discovered which are octagonal. One of
these of large size, in the vicinity of Chillicothe, has its alternate angles
coincident with each other, and its sides equal.

Another class of works, probably akin to those here noticed, are the
parallels, consisting of slight embankments seven or eight hundred feet in
length and sixty or eighty feet apart. Indeed, so various are these works, and
so numerous their combinations, that it is impossible, through the medium
of description alone, to convey an adequate conception of their character. If
we are right in the assumption that they are of sacred origin, and were the
temples and consecrated grounds of the ancient people, we can, from their
number and extent, form some estimate of the devotional fervor or
superstitious zeal which induced their erection, and the predominance of the
religious sentiment among their builders.
Their magnitude is, perhaps, the strongest objection that can be urged
against the purpose here assigned them. It is difficult to comprehend the
existence of religious works, extending, with their attendant avenues, like
those near Newark, over an area of little less than four square miles ! We
can find their parallels only in the great temples of Abury and Stonehenge
in England, and Carnac in Brittany, and must associate them with sun
worship and its kindred superstitions.
It was originally proposed to include within another division those
structures which were regarded as anomalous, or to which it was impossible
to assign a definite purpose. Reflection, however, has tended to strengthen
the opinion, that those works not manifestly defensive were connected with
the superstitions of the builders, and that all the enclosures of the West
(except perhaps some of the petty circles to which allusion has been made)
were either military or religious in their origin. Those only which are
obviously defensive have been classed under the head of Defences, and all
others have been thrown together into this chapter. It is not impossible,
therefore, that some which follow should be included in the former
division; nor is it improbable that a few were designed to answer a double
purpose. p050

PLATE XVI. 37
HIGH BANK WORKS, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

The beautiful group here represented is situated on the right bank of the
Scioto river, five miles below the town of Chillicothe, near the road from
that place to Jackson. It occurs at a place where the river has cut its way up
to the third terrace, which in consequence here presents a bold bank, rising
seventy-five or eighty feet above the water. This point is generally known
as the “High Bank ,” and gives its name to these works. The third terrace
here spreads out into a beautiful, level plain of great extent. The principal
work consists of an octagon and a circle; the former measuring nine
hundred and fifty feet, the latter ten hundred and fifty feet, in diameter. The
coincidences, in the dimensions, between this and the “Hopeton Works,”
(Plate XVII,) will be at once observed. The octagon is not strictly regular;
although its alternate angles are coincident, and its sides equal. The circle is
a perfect one. In immediate connection with the work are two small circles,
which are shown in the plan, each measuring two hundred and fifty feet in
diameter.

XVI. High Bank Works, Ross Co., Ohio. ♠

The walls of the octagon are very bold; and, where they have been least
subjected to cultivation, are now between eleven and twelve feet in height,
by about fifty feet base. The wall of the circle is much less, nowhere
measuring over four or five feet in altitude. In all these respects, as in the
absence of a ditch and the presence of the two small circles, this work
resembles the Hopeton Works already alluded to. There are no mounds,
except the small ones covering the gateways of the octagon. About half a
mile to the southward, and connected with this work by lines of
embankment, much reduced but still traceable, is a small group of works,
partially destroyed by the river. A fourth of a mile below this subordinate
group, on the bank of the terrace, is a large truncated mound, thirty feet in
height. It does not fall within the area exhibited on the map.
At various points around this work are the usual pits or dug holes, some
of which are of large size. To the left of the great circle, on the brow of the
terrace, is an Indian burial place. The construction of a farm road down the
bank disclosed a large quantity of human bones, accompanied by a variety
of rude implements. A short distance below this point, on the same bank of
the river, is the former site of an Indian town.
A number of small circles occur about a hundred rods distant from the
octagon, in the forest land to the south-east. They measure nearly fifty feet
in diameter, and the walls are about two feet in height. It has been suggested
that they are p051 the remains of structures of some kind, and also that they
were the bases of unfinished mounds. There are no indications of entrances
or passage ways, a circumstance which favors the latter hypothesis. Similar
small circles occur within or in the immediate vicinity of several other large
works.

XVII. Hopeton Work, Ross Co. Ohio (four miles north of Chillicothe). ♠

PLATE XVII. 38
HOPETON WORKS, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

Four miles above the city of Chillicothe, on the east bank of the Scioto
river, is situated the singular group of works figured in the Plate. They are
found upon the third “bottom” or terrace, just at the base of an elevated
plain, upon which, five hundred paces distant, and to the right of the main
works, the minor group B is situated. They consist of a rectangle, with an
attached circle, the latter extending into the former, instead of being
connected with it in the usual manner. The rectangle measures nine hundred
and fifty by nine hundred feet, and the circle is ten hundred and fifty feet in
diameter. The centre of the circle is somewhat to the right of a line drawn
through the centre of the rectangle, parallel to its longest sides. The exterior
gateways are twelve in number, and have an average width of about twenty-
five feet. The chord of that part of the circle interior to the rectangle is five
hundred and thirty feet. On the east side are two circles, measuring two
hundred, and two hundred and fifty feet in diameter respectively; one
covering a gateway, the other extending into, and opening within, the work.
About two hundred paces north of the great circle is another smaller one,
two hundred and fifty feet in diameter.
The walls of the rectangular work are composed of a clayey loam, twelve
feet high by fifty feet base, and are destitute of a ditch on either side. They
resemble the heavy grading of a railway, and are broad enough, on the top,
to admit the passage of a coach. The wall of the great circle was never as
high as that of the rectangle; yet, although it has been much reduced of late
years by the plough, it is still about five feet in average height. It is also
destitute of a ditch. It is built of clay, which differs strikingly in respect of
color from the surrounding soil. The walls of the smaller circles are about
three feet in height, with interior ditches of corresponding depth.
Parallel walls extend from the north-western corner of the rectangle,
towards the river to the south-west. They are twenty-four hundred feet, or
nearly half a mile p052 long, and are placed one hundred and fifty feet apart.
They terminate at the edge of the terrace, at the foot of which, it is evident,

the river once had its course; but between which and the present bed of the
stream, a broad and fertile “bottom” now intervenes. They are carried in a
straight line, and although very slight, (nowhere exceeding two and a half
feet in height,) are uninterrupted throughout. They do not connect directly
with the main work; at least, they are not traceable near it.
There is a dug hole, of considerable size, near the south-east angle of the
rectangular portion of the work, exterior to the walls. In the bank of the
table land, which approaches to within three or four hundred feet of the
walls, are several excavations, d d d , from which large quantities of earth
have been taken, though much less, apparently, than enters into the
composition of the embankments.
There are no mounds of magnitude in connection with these works. There
are two slight elevations of an oval form, and also one or two very small
mounds, within the square, as shown in the plan. There is a large group,
however, on the opposite bank of the river, in the direction pursued by the
parallels above mentioned.
The truncated pyramid and accompanying circle, shown in the plan of the
“Cedar Bank Works,” (Plate XVIII,) are situated about one-fourth of a mile
to the north-east, upon the superior plain. The coincidences between this
circle and the small one C of the plan will be observed at once. The feature
of an inner wall or platform, of the description here indicated, is of frequent
occurrence. (See “Newark Works ,” Plate XXV.)
From the height and solidity of the walls, it might be inferred that this
was a work of defence. But its position, in respect to the third terrace which
commands it, strongly opposes that conclusion. Still, this objection would
not be insuperable, could we suppose that the walls were palisaded; for, in
such a case, the interior of the work would be unassailable by any missiles
known to barbarous or half-civilized nations,—in fact, proof against
anything except artillery, and affording no mean protection against an
assault of that description.

PLATE XVIII. 39
CEDAR BANK WORKS, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This work is situated upon the table lands bordering the Scioto river, at a
point five miles above the town of Chillicothe, and about a mile above the
works last p053 described. It consists of a wall and outer ditch, which
constitute three sides of a parallelogram. The fourth side is protected by a
natural bank or bluff, seventy feet high, and so steep as to admit of no
ascent, except at one point where it has been gullied by the flow of water.

XVIII. Cedar-bank Works, Ross Co. Ohio. ♠

The walls of this work are about six feet high by forty feet base; the ditch
five feet deep by forty wide. The ditch upon the longer or eastern side is
formed, for two thirds of its length, by a “runway” or water-course. It is
here from eight to ten feet deep. The wall upon this side is fourteen hundred
feet long. The northern and southern walls are each ten hundred and fifty
feet in length, and placed at right angles to the first; the southern extending
to the very edge of the bluff, the northern terminating within twenty-five
feet of it. It is possible that a fourth wall originally bounded the enclosure
on the west, which has been destroyed by the river, in its encroachments.
There are gateways, each sixty feet wide, at the centres of the northern and
southern sides. Covering the northern gateway, and two hundred feet
interior to it, is an elevated square, two hundred and fifty feet long by one
hundred and fifty broad, and four feet high. It is ascended from the ends by
graded ways, thirty feet broad, and in all respects resembles the truncated
pyramids or “elevated squares” of the Marietta Works (Plate XXVI).
On the line of the southern embankment, and three hundred feet distant
from the main work, are singular parallel walls, eight hundred and seventy
feet long and seventy feet apart, connected at the ends. These walls have no
ditch, and have been partially obliterated by the Chillicothe and Columbus
turnpike, which passes through them. In the timbered land, where they are
undisturbed, they are between two and three feet high.
About one third of a mile
south of the principal work, is a
truncated pyramid, and a small
circle, Fig. 9: the former is one
hundred and twenty feet square
at the base, and nine feet in
height; the latter is two hundred
and fifty feet in diameter, and
has an entrance from the south,
Fig. 9.
thirty feet wide. The sides of
the pyramidal structure
correspond to the cardinal points. The circle has a ditch interior to the

embankment; and has also a broad embankment of about the same height
with the outer wall, interior to the ditch, upon the side opposite the
entrance. This feature, which is found in many of the smaller circles, is
illustrated by the plan, and by the section b a . This group is so disposed as
to command a fine view of the river terraces below it; and the headland
upon which it is situated seems to have been artificially smoothed and
rounded. The spot is well chosen. The “elevated square” has been
excavated, but was found to contain no remains. Upon the edge of the table
land, both above and below this peculiar group, there are various
inconsiderable remains, consisting of small, low terraces, and little mounds
and circles.
It is difficult to determine the character of this group of works. The
principal enclosure partakes of the nature of a defence; but the broad
gateways and the p054 regular terrace embraced in the walls, are features
hardly consistent with the hypothesis of a military origin. The long parallel
lines, found in connection with this and other works, are entirely
inexplicable in their design and purposes. The most plausible suggestion
concerning them is, that they were devoted to the celebration of certain
games; they may, however, have been connected with religious
observances. It has been suggested that the gully or “wash” towards the
river was originally a graded way to the water, and that its present
irregularity has been occasioned by the rains and storms of centuries.
It is a singular fact that there are no mounds of magnitude in connection
with these works. Upon the opposite side of the river, however, there are a
large number, as will be seen in the succeeding Plate.

PLATE XIX. 40
MOUND CITY, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This plate presents a very interesting group of works. They are situated
on the left bank of the Scioto river, four miles north of the town of
Chillicothe. The enclosure, designated, from the great number of mounds
within its walls, “Mound City ,” is in many respects the most remarkable in

the Scioto valley. Through the generous kindness of H ENRY S HRIVER, Esq.,
upon whose estate it is situated, the mounds were all permitted to be
investigated; and the work will, in consequence, be often referred to in the
course of this volume, particularly when we come to speak of “Mounds.”
In outline it is nearly square, with rounded angles, and consists of a
simple embankment, between three and four feet high, unaccompanied by a
ditch. Its site is the beautiful level of the second terrace, and it is still
covered with the primitive forest.
The first and most striking feature in connection with this work is the
unusual number of mounds which it contains. There are no less than twenty-
four within its walls. All of these, as above observed, have been excavated,
and the principal ones found to contain altars and other remains, which put
it beyond question that they were places of sacrifice , or of superstitious
origin. [The evidence in support of this conclusion will appear in a
subsequent chapter on the mounds and their purposes.]

XIX. Ancient Works, Ross County Ohio (three miles north of Chillicothe). ♠

These mounds seem placed generally without design in respect to each
other, although there is a manifest dependence between those composing
the central group, and between those numbered 4 and 5, and 12 and 13.
From the principal p055 mound, numbered 7 in the plan, after the fall of the
leaves, a full view of every part of the work and of its enclosed mounds is
commanded. This mound is seventeen feet high, with a broad base nearly
one hundred feet in diameter. The long mound, No. 3, is one hundred and
forty feet long, by eighty wide at the base, and ten feet in average height.
Broad and deep pits, from which the earth for the construction of the
mounds was taken, surround the work. The one occurring at the south-
western angle, and of which a b exhibits a vertical section, is at this time
eighteen feet deep, by one hundred and twenty feet in width, and over two
hundred feet in length. The accumulation of vegetable deposit at the bottom
is found, by excavation, to be not less than thirty inches,—a fact which may
assist in an approximate estimate of the age of this monument.
The absence of an exterior ditch, as also the fact that the work is
commanded from a slightly elevated terrace half a bow-shot to the left,
seems sufficient to establish that it was not designed for defence. The skill,
which the illustrations of a previous chapter convince us the mound-
builders possessed in selecting and fortifying their military positions, is in
no degree displayed in this instance. Taking in view also the character and
purposes of the mounds as disclosed by excavation, we are certainly well
warranted in classing this as a sacred work.
The custom of enclosing the Adoratorios or Teocallis, upon which their
sacrifices and religious rites generally were practised, was universal among
the Mexicans. The open temples of the ancient Britons were embraced
within parapets of earth, usually, if not always, circular in form. The
“tabooed” grounds or sacred places of the Pacific Islanders, are also
surrounded, if not by earthen, by stone walls or by palisades.
One fourth of a mile to the north-west of this work is a small circle two
hundred and fifty feet in diameter, accompanied by two large mounds.

About the same distance to the south is another work of somewhat
similar outline, but of larger size. It is, moreover, surrounded by a ditch. Its
position, in respect to “Mound City,” requires that it should be noticed here.
The plan and sections will convey a sufficiently accurate idea of its form
and construction. Unlike the works obviously of sacred origin, which, if
they possess a ditch at all, have it interior to the wall, this has an outer
fosse; a circumstance which would seem to favor the suggestion of a
defensive origin. On the other hand, it has a mound, very nearly if not
exactly in its centre, which was clearly a place of sacrifice. It was found,
upon excavation, to contain an altar singularly constructed of small stones,
carefully imbedded in sand, forming a paved concavity, upon which were
the usual traces of fire, and the remains of the sacrifice. This mound will be
minutely noticed elsewhere. p056

PLATE XX. 41
ANCIENT WORK, LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This work is a very fair type of a singular series occurring in the Scioto
valley,—all of which have the same figures in combination, although
occupying different positions with respect to each other, viz. a square and
two circles. These figures are not only accurate squares and perfect circles,
but are in most cases of corresponding dimensions,—that is to say, the sides
of each of the squares are each ten hundred and eighty feet in length; and
the diameter of each of the large and small circles, a fraction over seventeen
hundred and eight hundred feet, respectively. Such were the results of
surveys made at different times, the measurements of which correspond
within a few feet. Although in the progress of investigation singular
coincidences were observed between these works, yet there was at the time
no suspicion of the identity which subsequent comparison has shown to
exist.

XX. Ancient Work, Liberty Township, Ross Co. Ohio. (eight miles S. E. of ♠
Chillicothe).

The first of the series here represented, is situated on the east bank of the
Scioto river, and occupies the third bottom or terrace. The ground upon
which it occurs is level. The walls of the entire work are unaccompanied by
a ditch, and are slight, nowhere more than four feet in height. The
embankment of the square is perceptibly heavier than that of the small
circle, which is also heavier than that of the larger one. The square work
measures ten hundred and eighty feet upon each side; and its walls are
interrupted at the corners and at the middle of each side, by gateways thirty
feet in width. The central gateways are each covered by a small mound, of
about the same height with the embankment, and placed forty feet interior
to it. The manner in which the circular works are connected with the square
enclosure, and the relative position of each, are accurately shown in the
plan, precluding the necessity of a long and intricate description. It will be
observed, that while the wall of the larger circle is interrupted by numerous
narrow gateways, that of the smaller one is entire throughout,—a feature for
which it is, of course, impossible to assign a reason. Besides the small
mounds at the gateways, there are three others within the work, two of
which are inconsiderable, while the other is of the largest size, being one
hundred and sixty feet long, by not far from twenty feet high. A section of
this mound is given, illustrative of a detailed description, in a subsequent
chapter. There are also a few other mounds outside of the walls, reference to
which is had elsewhere. Numerous dug holes occur in the vicinity of the
great mound. Most of these are interior to the work,—a very unusual
circumstance. In fact, the whole work appears to have been but partially
finished, or constructed in great haste. The mounds at the gateways, and
those outside of p057 the walls, were formed by carelessly scooping up the
earth at their base, leaving irregular pits near them. In most of the regular
works, the material seems to have been taken up evenly and with care, or
brought from a distance.
No one would be apt to ascribe a defensive origin to this work, yet it is
difficult to conceive for what other purpose a structure of such dimensions,

embracing nearly one hundred acres, could have been designed. The great
mound is anomalous in its character, and throws no light on the question.
That there is some hidden significance, in the first place in the regularity,
and secondly in the arrangement of the various parts, can hardly be
doubted. Nor can the coincidences observable between this and the other
succeeding works of the same series be wholly accidental.42

XXI. Ancient Works, Ross Co. Ohio. ♠

PLATE XXI. No. 1. 43

This work is situated on the right bank of Paint creek, fourteen miles
distant from Chillicothe. It is but another combination of the figures
composing the work belonging to this series, just described; from which, in
structure, it differs in no material respect, except that the walls are higher
and heavier. It is one of the best preserved works in the valley; the only

portion which is much injured being p058 at that part of the great circle next
the hill, where the flow of water has obliterated the wall for some distance.
The gateways of the square are considerably wider than those of the other
works,—being nearly seventy feet across. A large, square, truncated mound
occurs at some distance to the north of this work. It is one hundred and
twenty feet broad at the base, has an area fifty feet square on the top, and is
fifteen feet high. Quantities of coarse, broken pottery are found on and
around it. A deep pit, or dug hole, is near, denoting the spot whence the
earth composing the mound was taken.

PLATE XXI. No. 2. 44

Five miles above the work last described, at “the crossings of Paint
creek,” and on the opposite bank of the stream, occurs an equally singular
and interesting work, situated upon the estate of J OHN W OODBRIDGE, Esq.,
of Chillicothe. The ground is here considerably broken, yet the work
preserves its regularity throughout, although evidently constructed with
some regard to the nature of the position. The square occupies the second
terrace; while the main body of the work is placed upon the third, as shown
in the plan.
Within the larger circle, and not far from its centre, is a large elliptical
mound, two hundred and forty feet long by one hundred and sixty broad,
and thirty in height. It is considerably larger than any other single mound in
the valley, and covers a little more than two thirds of an acre. It seems to be
composed, at least towards the surface, of stones and pebbles,—a feature
peculiar to a certain class of mounds, of a highly interesting character. It is
surrounded by a low, indistinct embankment, the space between which and
the mound seems to have been raised by the wasting of the latter. Perhaps
this was a low terrace. To the right of this fine mound is a group of three
others in combination, as shown in the plan at c . There are several other
small mounds in and around the work. Several very large and beautiful
ones, composed entirely of clay, occur about one fourth of a mile distant, in
the direction indicated in the plan.

The entire work is surrounded by deep pits or excavations, usually called
“wells,” from which the materials for the mounds and embankments were
procured. So numerous are these, and such serious obstacles are the mounds
and embankments to cultivation, that a deduction of several acres is allowed
to the tenant in consequence, by the lease of the estate upon which they
occur.
The small circle at a is two hundred and fifty feet in diameter. It has been
so much reduced by the plough as to be traced with difficulty.45 p059
Although the square enclosure connected with this work is situated on the
second terrace, a portion of it, at periods of great freshets, is invaded by the
water, which passes through a shallow thoroughfare indicated on the map.
This singular circumstance is easily accounted for. The creek in its course
strikes the base of a high hill at B, composed of shale, which readily
undermines, occasioning great slips or slides. These fill the channel of the
creek, damming it up and forcing it out of its usual course. It was probably
at the period of one of these slides, that the creek, in its reaction on the
opposite shore, broke through the embankment and formed the
thoroughfare, or dry channel, above mentioned. The remark, therefore, that
the earthworks of the West never occur upon the first, or latest-formed
terrace, and are always above high-water mark, is not at all invalidated by
this circumstance.

PLATE XXI. No. 3. 46

This work very closely resembles the one last described. It is situated on
the Scioto river, about one mile south of the town of Chillicothe. Near it
was erected the first civilized habitation in the valley, and the ground has
been in cultivation for more than forty years. As a consequence, the walls
are much reduced, although distinctly traceable at this time. A portion of the
square has been destroyed by the invasion of the river. The large circle has
also been encroached upon at some period, if indeed it was ever completed.
It extends to the terrace bank, which is here twelve or fifteen feet high. The
low bottom, at the base of the terrace, was evidently at one time the bed of

Paint creek, which has since changed its channel, and now runs more than a
mile to the south-west, entering the river three or four miles below this
point. If the encroachment upon the work was made by this stream, the fact
would certainly assign to it a very high antiquity. There are no mounds in
the immediate vicinity of this work, although there are several in the
direction indicated in the plan, about one fourth of a mile distant, upon the
corresponding terrace A. There is also an extensive and intricate series of
works in the direction of Chillicothe, a portion of which once occupied the
site of the city.47
One of the mounds at A is placed upon a singular ridge, some forty or
fifty feet in height, which has resisted the encroachments of the water, and
which itself somewhat resembles an artificial structure. This elevation
commands the entire plain. There are several mounds at its base, one of
which is of considerable size. All have been excavated: the larger one was
found to be sepulchral in its character; the others are anomalous. p060

PLATE XXI. No. 4.

This work is sixteen miles distant from the one last described, and is
situated on the left bank of the North fork of Paint creek. A portion of it is
included in the town limits of Frankfort, better known as “Oldtown,” or
“Old Chillicothe.”48
The combination of the great circle and the square, in this work, is
identical with that which exists in the celebrated Circleville work,—which
work, it may be observed, is no more remarkable than numbers of others,
and owes its celebrity entirely to the fact, that it has been several times
described with some minuteness.
A reduced plan of the Circleville work, Fig. 10, is herewith presented,
which will sufficiently illustrate this remark. Its dimensions were
considerably less than those of the analogous structures already described.
The sides of the square measured not far from nine hundred feet in length,
and the diameter of the circle was a little more than one thousand feet. The

work was peculiar in having a double
embankment constituting the circle. It is
now almost entirely destroyed, and its
features are no longer traceable.49
The walls of the rectangular portion of
the Frankfort work, where not obliterated
Fig. 10. by the improvements of the town, are still
several feet high. They were, within the
recollection of many people, much higher. They are composed of clay
(while the embankment of the circle is composed of gravel and loam),
which, as in the case of the square work described, Plate X, appears to have
been very much burned.
The isolated mound near the upper boundary of the circle is composed
entirely of clay, and is twelve feet high; the others are of gravel, the largest
being no less than twenty feet in altitude. Various dug holes or pits, from
which the material for the embankments and mounds was evidently taken,
are indicated in the plan. Some of them are, at this time, fifteen or twenty
feet deep. The subsoil at this locality, as shown by excavation, is clay. If
there was no design, therefore, in constructing the walls of the square of
that material, it follows that it was built last, and after the loam and gravel
had been removed from the pits.

XXII. ♠
No. 1. Blackwater Group. Ross Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Junction Group, Ross Co. Ohio.

A portion of the large circle has been encroached upon and destroyed by
the p061 creek, which has since receded something over a fifth of a mile,
leaving a low rich bottom intervening.
Such are the predominant features of this remarkable series of works. As
already remarked, the coincidences observable between them could not
have been the result of accident, and it is very manifest that they were
erected for common purposes. What those purposes were, the reader must
judge. Without entering into an argument upon the subject, we may content
ourselves with the simple expression of opinion, that they were in some
manner connected with the superstitions of the builders.
There is one deduction to be drawn from the fact, that the figures
entering into these works are of uniform dimensions, which is of
considerable importance in its bearing upon the state of knowledge among
the people who erected them. It is that the builders possessed a standard of
measurement, and had some means of determining angles . The most skilful
engineer of the day would find it difficult, without the aid of instruments, to
lay down an accurate square of the great dimensions of those above
represented, measuring as they do more than four fifths of a mile in
circumference. It would not, it is true, be impossible to construct circles of
considerable size, without instruments; the difficulty of doing so, when we
come to the construction of works five thousand four hundred feet, or over
a mile in circumference, is nevertheless apparent. But we not only find
accurate squares and perfect circles, but also, as we have seen, octagons of
great dimensions. Other evidences tending to sustain the above conclusions
will be adduced in the progress of this work.

PLATE XXII. No. 1. 50
JUNCTION GROUP, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

The singular group of works here represented is situated on Paint creek,
two miles south-west of the town of Chillicothe. It consists of four circles,
three crescents, two square works, and four mounds. The eastern enclosure
is the principal one; and, in common with all the rest, consists of a wall
three feet high, with an interior ditch. It is two hundred and forty feet
square, the angles much curved, giving it very nearly the form of a circle.
The area, bounded by the ditch, is an accurate square of one hundred and
sixty feet side, and is entered from the south by a gateway twenty-five feet
wide. To the south-west of this work, and one hundred and thirty feet
distant, is a small mound enclosed by a ditch and wall, with p062 a gateway
opening to it from the north. The ditch dips from the base of the mound,
which is but three feet high by thirty feet base. Almost touching the circle
enclosing the mound, is the horn of a crescent work, having a chord of one
hundred and thirty-two feet. Sixty-six feet distant, in the same direction, is
still another crescent, which terminates in a mound of sacrifice, seven feet
high by forty-five feet base, which commands the entire group of works.
This mound was carefully opened in October, 1845. The following
passages, from the notes taken on the occasion, may not be out of place
here. They will prove more intelligible to the reader, after an examination of
the chapters on Mounds .
The mound is composed of clay. A simple shaft was sunk from the apex,
five feet square. About three feet below the surface, upon the northern side
of the excavation, was found a layer of wood coals, three or four inches in
thickness, which extended within range of the excavation perhaps a foot,
where it was broken up and intermixed with the clay composing the mound;
some fragments were found within a few inches of the surface. From this
fact it was inferred that the mound had been disturbed since its erection,—
with what correctness will be seen in the sequel. In this layer of charcoal
was found a human skeleton, much decayed, the skull and jaws crushed.
Proceeding downwards, the earth below the unbroken charcoal was
homogeneous, while towards the centre of the mound it was intermixed
with detached coals. About seven feet beneath the surface of the mound,
and probably a little below the surface of the adjacent plain, and in the

centre of the excavation, were found three skeletons, in a very good state of
preservation. The earth above them was mingled with coals, and also with
fragments of hard-burned clay, which were immediately recognised as
portions of the “altar” peculiar to a certain class of mounds devoted to
religious purposes. It was clear that the mound had been opened, and its
structure broken up, to afford the rite of sepulture to the skeletons here
found; and it was concluded from this fact, as well as from their well-
preserved condition, that the remains were those of the later Indians, who
frequently buried in the mounds. The skeletons were placed side by side,
with their heads towards the east. But one circumstance weighs against the
above conclusion, and that is the depth at which the skeletons were
deposited. The modern Indians bury in shallow graves.
Further examination disclosed the remains of the altar, about one third of
which remained entire. Upon it were found a number of relics, clearly
pertaining to the mound-builders.
The character of the remaining works is sufficiently apparent, without
further explanation. That they were not designed for defence is obvious, and
that they were devoted to religious rites is more than probable. They may
have answered a double purpose, and may have been used for the
celebration of games, of which we can have no definite conception. It has
been suggested that the enclosure A, as also B and C, were occupied by
structures, temples perhaps, which in the lapse of time have disappeared.
Similar groups are frequent,—indeed, small circles, resembling those here
represented, constitute, in the Scioto valley, by far the most numerous class
of remains. They seldom occur singly, but generally in connection with
several others of the same description, and accompanied by one or more
p063 mounds; sometimes they are connected with long parallel lines of
embankments, of which more particular mention is elsewhere made.
This group occupies a beautiful plain forming the third terrace, upon the
edge of which, at D, is a mound, formerly of considerable dimensions, but
now much reduced in altitude. Upon the opposite bank of the creek, and
occupying the corresponding terrace, are other works, consisting of a small
circle and a number of small mounds.

PLATE XXII. No. 2.
BLACKWATER GROUP, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This group, which very much resembles that last described, is situated on
the right bank of the Scioto river, eight miles above Chillicothe, near the
Columbus road. It is specially remarkable for its singular parallels, A and B
of the plan. Each of these is seven hundred and fifty feet long by sixty
broad, measuring from centre to centre of the embankments. They are in
cleared ground, which has been cultivated for more than twenty years;
consequently the walls are much reduced, being now scarcely two feet in
height. A gateway opens into the southern parallel, from the east. A
corresponding opening may have existed in the other parallel, though it is
impossible to discern it now. The ground embraced in the semi-circular
works C and D is reduced several feet below the level of the plain on which
they are located. The mounds belonging to this group have never been
investigated; hence their character is undetermined. The group is introduced
in this connection, on account of its resemblance to the one just described.
It is just to conclude that both were erected for a common or analogous
purpose.

XXIII. ♠
No. 1. Dunlap’s Works, Ross Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Ancient Works, Athens Co. Ohio.

PLATE XXIII. No. 1. 51
DUNLAP’S WORKS, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This work, situated on the right bank of the Scioto river, six miles above
Chillicothe, presents some remarkable features. It is rhomboidal in figure,
with an avenue eleven hundred and thirty feet long extending to the south-
east, and also a p064 short avenue, leading from a gateway to the north,
connecting with a small circle. Along the western wall runs the bank of a
plain, elevated a number of feet above the level of the work, upon the very
brow of which is situated an outwork (A) eighty feet wide by two hundred
and eighty in length. It overlooks the larger work, and has a wide gateway

opening towards it. At this point the bank seems to have been graded to a
more gentle descent. The great avenue approaches to within sixty feet of the
gateway at a , which is one hundred and twenty feet wide; the walls closing,
at the other extremity, upon a radius of half the width of the avenue. A low
mound occupies the extreme point of the avenue. At some distance south of
the main work, is a mound surrounded by a ditch and low embankment; and
at the distance of about half a mile, very nearly in the course of the avenue,
are a number of mounds,—one of which is fifteen feet high, truncated, and
with a base of one hundred feet diameter. The diameter of the level area on
the top is about fifty feet. These mounds stand on the lowest portion of the
second terrace; the ground which they occupy being overflowed at periods
of very high water in the river. These are the only monuments known which
are reached by overflows. The top of the truncated mound was made a place
of refuge, during the high water of 1832, by a family, with their cattle,
horses, etc., numbering in all nearly a hundred. It was among the first
opened, in the progress of these investigations, and before the
characteristics of this class of works were clearly known. Hence, although a
number of skeletons were disinterred, at depths of from two to five feet,
together with a few rude instruments, the original deposit of the mound-
builders was not reached. The skeletons were unquestionably those of the
modern Indians. Upon the mound and around it, many fragments of rough
pottery are found, and a number of entire vases of rude workmanship were
exposed a few years since in ploughing over an adjacent small mound.
Many decayed fresh-water shells are also found on and around the mound;
and, as these when pulverized entered into the composition of the rude
pottery of the more recent Indians, it seems highly probable that a sort of
manufactory of this ware was established here. A number of large mounds
also occur at some distance to the northward of the principal work.

PLATE XXIII. No. 2.
ANCIENT WORKS, ATHENS COUNTY, OHIO.

Four miles north of the town of Athens, Athens county, Ohio, is a broad
and level plain, upon which is situated a large group of ancient earthworks.
The accompanying plan and description were furnished by S. P. H ILDRETH,
M. D., of Marietta, Ohio.52 p065
“The plain upon which these remains occur is not far from a mile and a
half long, by a mile and a quarter broad, and contains upwards of one
thousand acres. The soil is a sandy argillaceous earth, easily tilled and quite
fertile. At the northern extremity of the plain is the village of Chauncey,
where are located several salt factories, which are supplied by some of the
most abundant saline waters in the State of Ohio. The plain has an
elevation of sixty or seventy feet above the present bed of the Hocking
river, and was evidently formed when its waters flowed at a higher level.
This stream now runs from half a mile to a mile to the eastward of the
plain, separated from it by low hills. All around the margin of the plain,
where not bordered by hills, burst forth copious springs of fresh water,
which are most abundant in the vicinity of the principal ancient works.
Most of these works occupy the south-eastern portion of the plain. They
consist of a number of small circles, accompanied by mounds, the several
dimensions of which are given in the accompanying plan. The largest circle
is situated upon a detached point of land, of the same level with the
adjacent plain, from which it is cut off by a deep ravine, in which flows a
small stream. This detached portion contains not far from six acres. The
circle itself has a diameter of two hundred and ten feet; the diameter of the
enclosed area is one hundred and thirty feet; the height of the wall is seven
feet, and the depth of the ditch six feet. In all of these circles, the ditch is
interior to the embankment.
“On the top of a hill, half a mile to the south of this plain, is a stone
mound fifteen feet in height. It is built of stones of various sizes, none of
which, however, are larger than one man could conveniently carry. They
must have been collected from considerable distances, as there are very few
lying upon the surface of the adjacent hills. Many of them are water-worn,
and evidently came from the bed of some stream: some are limestone,
some sandstone, and others quartz. About twenty years since a partial
excavation was made, and the mound penetrated to about half its depth.
Here were found three human skeletons, in tolerable preservation. From the

appearance of ashes and charcoal beneath them, it was conjectured that the
bodies had been burned. One of the skeletons had copper bracelets on its
arms, and beads made of the tusks of the bear about its neck. These relics
are now deposited in the Museum of the Ohio University, at Athens.”
It has been suggested, that the work situated upon the detached portion of
the plain above mentioned was designed for defence. There is nothing to
favor the suggestion, except the fact of position, which is far from
conclusive. On the other hand, the small size of the work, its form, and the
occurrence of the ditch interior to the wall, may be taken to establish a
different origin,—probably a religious one. p066

PLATE XXIV.
ANCIENT WORKS, PIKE COUNTY, OHIO.

The plan so fully illustrates the character of this group of works, that
little description is necessary. It consists principally of the constantly
recurring figures, the square and the circle; the former measuring in this
instance a little upwards of eight hundred feet upon each side, the latter ten
hundred and fifty feet in diameter. They are connected by parallel walls,
four hundred and seventy-five feet long, placed one hundred feet apart.
These are intersected by a runway, which has here cut a passage in the
terrace one hundred and twenty-five feet wide, by fifteen deep. This gully
or ravine was undoubtedly in existence at the period of the construction of
the works. The banks between the parallels appear to have an offset, as if
they had been artificially graded; no further indications of a grade now
exist.
The small works, in connection with the above, will attract special
attention. The plan illustrates their forms, and the sections exhibit their
dimensions. Nothing can surpass the symmetry of the small work A, of
which an enlarged plan is herewith given, Fig. 11; B and C are also perfect
figures of their kind. It will be remarked that we have here the square, the
circle, and the ellipse, separate and in combination,—all of them
constructed with geometric accuracy. The work D consists of a small circle,

from which leads off a wall, extending
along the brow of the terrace bank, until the
latter turns, nearly at right angles, towards
the north. It would seem that this line of
embankment was constructed with specific
reference to this natural feature. The fact,
however, that a small circle, in the
immediate vicinity, has been partially
destroyed by the wasting of the bank,
shows that it has receded since the
Fig. 11. construction of the works. The river now
runs at a distance, although it is evident that
it once washed the base of the terrace at this point. Its ancient bed is
distinctly to be seen.

XXIV. Ancient Work, Seal Township, Pike Co. Ohio. ♠

The walls of the square coincide very nearly with the cardinal points of
the compass, varying therefrom but three degrees. This is, however, an
accidental coincidence; as all the ancient works seem to have been made to
conform to the position of the ground which they occupy. There is no
evidence that any regard was had to the points of the compass, except that
the gateways or openings of the small circles are oftenest towards the east.
About one mile to the northward of this group is the unique work shown
in the p067 supplementary plan N. Its walls are about four feet high, and its
outlines beautifully distinct.53
It is impossible to resist the conviction that some significance attaches to
these singular forms.

XXV. Newark Works, Licking Co. Ohio. ♠

PLATE XXV.
THE NEWARK WORKS, LICKING COUNTY, OHIO. 54

The very extensive and complicated series of works here presented occur
at the junction of the South and Raccoon forks of Licking river, one mile
west of the town of Newark, Licking county, Ohio. Like those at Marietta,
the works in question occupy a high fertile plain. This plain is here of great
extent, and elevated from thirty to fifty feet above the alluvions bordering
the streams: it is for the most part level, but in places broken and
undulating.
These works are so complicated, that it is impossible to give anything
like a comprehensible description of them. The plan, with the illustrative
supplementary plans and sections, will furnish a better conception, as a
whole and in detail, than could be afforded in any other way. It will be the
object of the text to supply such information as cannot be obtained from the
plan.
The group covers an extent of about two miles square, and consists, as
will be observed, of three grand divisions, connected by parallels and works
of a minor character. The walls of the parallels, and of the irregular portions
of the works generally, as well as of the small circles, (of which there are a
considerable number,) are very slight; for the most part not exceeding four
feet in height. p068 The embankments of the principal, or regular portions of
the works, are much heavier. Those of the larger circular work, E, are about
twelve feet in perpendicular height by fifty feet base, and have an interior
ditch seven feet deep by thirty-five wide. At the gateway or entrance, the
walls are much higher than at any other point, being not less than sixteen
feet in altitude, with a ditch thirteen feet deep, giving an absolute height of
about thirty feet from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the embankment.
The wall of the lesser circle, F, is six feet in height, and is unaccompanied
by a ditch. The walls of the octagonal, as well as of the square work, are but
five and a half feet high, and are also destitute of ditches, either exterior or
interior.

The circular structure E is undoubtedly one of
the best preserved and most imposing in the State.
There are many enclosing larger areas, but none
more clearly defined. At the entrance, which is
towards the east, the ends of the walls curve
outwards, for the distance of a hundred feet,
leaving a passageway eighty feet wide, between the
Fig. 12.
deep ditches on either hand. Here, covered with the
giganti
c trees of a primitive forest, the
work presents a truly grand and
impressive appearance; and, in
entering the ancient avenue for
the first time, the visitor does
not fail to experience a
sensation of awe, such as he
might feel in passing the portals
of an Egyptian temple, or in
gazing upon the silent ruins of
Fig. 13.—A gateway of octagon, looking
inward. Petra of the desert. This work is
not, as has been generally
represented, a true circle; its form is that of an ellipse, its diameters being
twelve hundred and fifty feet, and eleven hundred and fifty feet res­pec­tive­‐
ly. There are two or three slight ir­reg­u­lari­ties in the out­line, too trifling
however to be indicated in the plan. The area of the enclosure is something
over thirty acres. It is an almost perfect level, and is still covered with the
original forest. Immediately in the centre of the area is a mound of singular
shape, of which an enlarged plan, Fig. 12, is here given. It much resembles
some of the “animal-shaped mounds” of Wisconsin, and was probably
designed to represent a bird with expanded wings. It can hardly be called a
mound, but is rather a group of four, so arranged and connected as to
constitute an unbroken outline. Denominating the figure, for the sake of
distinction, a bird , the dimensions are as follows: Length of body, one

hundred and fifty-five feet; of each wing, one hundred and ten feet; between
the tips of the wings, measuring in a right line, two hundred feet; width of
body, sixty-three feet; of wings, in centre, forty-five feet; of same, next the
body, forty feet; height of mounds composing the body, seven feet; of
mounds composing the wings, five feet. The head of the bird points directly
towards the entrance of the enclosure. The bearing of the body is S. 65° E.
Immediately in the rear of the effigy, and one hundred feet distant, is a
semi-circular embankment, about two hundred feet in length; it is but
slightly elevated, and can hardly be traced; it is nevertheless exhibited in the
plan. The long mound, constituting the body of the bird, has been opened.
Upon examining the excavation, it was found that the structure had
originally contained an altar : whether any relics were found upon it, is
unknown. This feature, in conjunction with others, seems p069 to point out a
religious or superstitious design to this individual structure, if not to the
whole group of works with which it is connected.
Passing over the in­ter­med­iate in­tri­cate works, of which
it would be futile to attempt a description, we come to the
octagon and its dependencies. The angles of this octagon,
it will be observed, are not coincident, although its sides
are very nearly equal. At each of the angles is a gateway,
Fig. 14. which is covered upon the interior by a small, truncated
pyramidal elevation, (Fig. 14,) five feet
in height, and measuring eighty by one hundred feet at
the base. These are placed about sixty feet interior to the
walls. The area of this work, which is a rich and beautiful
level, is something over fifty acres. Connected with the
octagon by parallels three hundred feet long, and placed
sixty feet apart, is the smaller circle F. Unlike the other
Fig. 15.
circular work, this is a true circle , two thousand eight
hundred and eighty feet, or upwards of half a mile in
circumference. It encloses no mounds, but possesses a remarkable feature in
the line of the wall, at a point immediately opposite the entrance. This
consists of a crown work, (Fig. 15,) which is wholly unlike anything

heretofore noticed. It would almost seem that the builders had originally
determined to carry out parallel lines from this point; but after proceeding
one hundred feet, had suddenly changed their minds and finished the
enclosure, by throwing an immense mound across the uncompleted parts.
This mound, which may be taken as constituting a part of the wall of the
enclosure, is one hundred and seventy feet long, eight feet higher than the
general line of the embankment, and overlooks the entire work. It has been
called the “Observatory,” from this fact: it probably had some other purpose
than that of a look-out, but what purpose, it is not undertaken to say. It has
been pretty thoroughly excavated, but the excavations seem to have
disclosed nothing, except an abundance of rough stones, which must have
been brought from the creek or some other remote locality, as none are
scattered over the remarkable plain upon which these works are situated.
p070

Fig. 16. View of “observatory” from the interior.

From the octagon lead off three lines of parallel walls: those extending
towards the south have been traced for nearly two miles, and finally lose
themselves in the plain; the remaining parallels terminate as shown in the
plan. They are upwards of a mile in length. The walls composing these
singular lines are placed about two hundred feet apart, and are parallel

throughout. A singular feature occurs in the northern one, which is exhibited
by the transverse section g h . For the space of a quarter of a mile,
advantage is taken of a slight natural ridge to construct between the walls a
broad embankment, something higher than the parallels themselves. It is
broad enough to permit fifty persons to walk abreast. A similar peculiarity is
observed in the short parallel leading from the square enclosure towards the
great circle E, and is exhibited by the section i l . A feature somewhat
analogous occurs within the parallels extending from the irregular works on
the extreme right of the plan. This parallel is carried down the bank of the
third terrace, which is here fifteen or twenty feet high. Within the lines, the
bank is cut down, and regularly graded to an easy ascent. The pathway or
road, for a portion of its extent upon the alluvions, is elevated above the
walls, as shown in longitudinal section m n . A similar grade is constructed
at the extremity of the northern parallel, where the natural bank is much
higher than at any other point. Here the bank is excavated inwardly, for
upwards of one hundred and fifty feet; and a portion of the earth is
appropriated to form an elevated way over the low swampy ground
immediately at the foot of the terrace. These excavations constitute quite
imposing features, when viewed on the spot, but are hardly distinguishable
upon the plan.
A number of small circles are found connected with the works, and are
chiefly embraced in the area between the two principal parallels. They are
about eighty feet in diameter, without gateways opening into them; and it
has been suggested that they probably mark the sites of ancient circular
dwellings. The circles indicated by the letter G are of much larger
dimensions, and are characterized by ditches interior to their walls. They
each have a diameter of about two hundred p071 feet, and have elevated
embankments constructed interior to the ditch, as seen in the plan. This
peculiarity has been already remarked, in some of the works of the Scioto
valley.
Upon the lower terraces, towards the point of junction between the South
and Raccoon forks, a great number of mounds of various sizes are situated.
Some are large, but for the most part they are small. A small truncated

pyramid once existed here, but the construction of the Ohio canal, and the
subsequent establishment of the village of Lockport at this point, have
obliterated this as well as numerous other mounds. Indeed, these causes
have resulted in the almost total destruction of the singular maze of
embankments, which communicates directly with the square enclosure. The
ancient lines can now be traced only at intervals, among gardens and
outhouses. At the period when the original survey, upon which this plan is
constructed, was made, which is twelve years ago, the lines could all be
made out. A few years hence, the residents upon the spot will be compelled
to resort to this map, to ascertain the character of the works which occupied
the very ground upon which they stand.
Within the area partially enclosed by this series of works, was formerly a
large natural pond, covering upwards of one hundred acres. It has been
drained, so that the greater portion is under cultivation. Previous to the
earthquake of 1811, which resulted in the destruction of New Madrid on the
Mississippi, it is said but little water was contained in the basin; after that
event it rose to the depth of ten feet, and retained that level until the
drainage took place. It has been suggested that it owed its origin to artificial
excavation; but it is incontestably natural, like several other smaller
depressions in the vicinity, which still contain water. Excavations,
denominated “wells,” from which the materials for the construction of the
wall were taken, are abundant in the neighborhood of these works.
Several extraordinary coincidences are exhibited between the details of
these works and some of those already described. The smaller circle F is
nearly identical in size with that belonging to the “Hopeton Works,” and
with the one attached to the octagon, in the “High Bank” group. (See Plates
XVI and XVII.) The works last named are situated upon the Scioto, seventy
miles distant. The square has also the same area with the rectangle
belonging to the Hopeton, and with the octagon attached to the High Bank
Works. The octagon, too, has the same area with the large, irregular square
at Marietta. The small circles G, G, G, betray a coincidence with those in
connection with the works above mentioned, which ought not to be

overlooked. It is not to be supposed that these numerous coincidences are
the result of accident.
It would be unprofitable to indulge in speculations as to the probable
origin and purposes of this group of works. That it could not have been
designed for defence, seems too obvious to admit of doubt.55 The reasons
urged against the p072 hypothesis of a defensive origin in the Marietta
works apply with double force here. The structure which, from the height
and solidity of its walls, would seem best adapted for defence, has its ditch
interior to the embankment,—a blunder which no people possessing the
skill and judgment displayed in the defensive works of the mound-builders,
would be apt to commit.56
Hill works, incontestibly of a defensive origin, occur within four or five
miles of this group, the relative positions of which are indicated by the
“Map of six miles of the Newark Valley .” About four miles distant, and
overlooking those works, is placed, upon the summit of a high hill, a
gigantic effigy of some animal, probably the alligator. Of this remarkable
structure a plan is presented on a subsequent page. Around these works, in
the valley and crowning the hills bordering it, are numerous mounds, all of
which, as compared with those of the Scioto, are singularly broad and flat.
Many of them have been opened, but no account has been preserved of their
character. So far as could be ascertained from diligent inquiry, they do not
essentially differ in their contents from those found elsewhere in the State.
Fifteen or twenty miles to the northward of these works, are others of an
interesting character, which have never been investigated, and of which no
public notice has yet been taken. p073

XXVI. Marietta Works, Washington Co. Ohio. ♠

PLATE XXVI.
ANCIENT WORKS AT MARIETTA, OHIO. 57

This remarkable group of works was among the earliest noticed by
Western explorers. It was described by Harte as early as 1791; and a further
account was presented in “Harris’s Tour,” published in 1805, in which an
imperfect birds-eye view was also given. Since that period various
descriptions have appeared in print; and a number of plans, differing
materially in their details, have been published. It is of so much importance,
however, and has been the basis of so much speculation, that it is time an
accurate map and a careful description should be placed before the public.
Such a map and such a description it is here aimed to present.
The works occupy the high, sandy plain, at the junction of the
Muskingum and Ohio rivers. This plain is from eighty to one hundred feet
above the bed of the river, and from forty to sixty above the bottom lands of
the Muskingum. Its outlines are shown on the map. It is about three fourths
of a mile long, by half a mile in width; is bounded on the side next the hills
by ravines, formed by streams, and terminates on the side next the river in
an abrupt bank, resting upon the recent alluvions. The topography of the
plain and adjacent country is minutely represented on this map.
The works consist of two irregular squares, (one containing forty acres
area, the other about twenty acres,) in connection with a graded or covered
way and sundry mounds and truncated pyramids, the relative positions of
which are shown in the plan. The town of Marietta is laid out over them;
and, in the progress of improvement, the walls have been considerably
reduced and otherwise much obliterated; yet the outlines of the entire works
may still be traced. The walls of the principal square, where they remain
undisturbed, are now between five and six feet high by twenty or thirty feet
base; those of the smaller enclosure are somewhat less. The entrances or
gateways at the sides of the latter are each covered by a small mound placed
interior to the embankment; at the corners the gateways are in line with it.
The larger work is destitute of this feature, unless we class as such an
interior crescent wall covering the entrance at its southern angle. p074

Within the larger enclosure are four
elevated squares or truncated pyramids of
earth, which, from their resemblance to
similar erections in Mexico and Central
America, merit a particular notice.58 Three
of these have graded passages or avenues of
ascent to their tops. The principal one is
marked A in the plan, and an engraving
more clearly illustrating its features is
Fig. 17. herewith presented, Fig. 17. It is one
hundred and eighty-eight feet long by one
hundred and thirty-two wide, and ten high. Midway upon each of its sides
are graded ascents, rendering easy the passage to its top. These grades are
twenty-five feet wide and sixty feet long. The next in size is marked B in
the plan, and is one hundred and fifty feet long by one hundred and twenty
wide, and eight feet high. It has three graded passages to its top, viz. upon
the north, west, and east. Those at the sides are placed somewhat to the
north of the centre of the elevation. Upon the south side there is a recess or
hollow way, instead of a glacis, fifty feet long by twenty wide. This
elevation is placed upon an easy swell or ridge of land, and occupies the
most conspicuous position within the enclosure, every part of which is
commanded from its summit. A few feet distant from the northern glacis, is
a small conical mound, surrounded with shallow excavations, from which
the earth for its construction, and, perhaps, for the construction in part of
the pyramidal structure, was taken. To the right of the elevation, and near
the eastern angle of the enclosure, is a smaller elevation one hundred and
twenty feet long, fifty broad, and six feet high. It had graded ascents at its
ends, similar in all respects to those just described. It is now much
obliterated. Near the northern angle of the work is another elevation, not
distinctly marked. The two larger squares are covered with a close turf, and
still preserve their symmetry. Indeed, no erections of earth alone could
surpass them in regularity. They are perfectly level on the top, except where
some uprooted tree has displaced the earth.

There is a passage or gateway one hundred and fifty feet wide, in the
middle of the left wall of this enclosure, on the side next the Muskingum.
Leading from it towards the river, and at right angles to the embankment, is
the “Sacra Via ,” a graded or covered way of singular construction. It is six
hundred and eighty feet long by one hundred and fifty wide between the
banks, and consists of an excavated passage descending regularly from the
plain, upon which the works just described are situated, to the alluvions of
the river. The earth, in part at least, is thrown outward upon either side,
forming embankments from eight to ten feet in height. The centre of the
excavated way is slightly raised and rounded, after the manner of the paved
streets of modern cities. The cross section g h exhibits this feature. p075
This section is constructed from measurements taken at a point midway
between the top and base of the grade. Measured between the summits of
the banks, the width of the way is two hundred and thirty feet. At the base
of the grade, the walls upon the interior are twenty feet high. From this
point there is a slight descent, for the distance of several hundred feet, to the
bank of the river, which is here thirty-five or forty feet in height. It has been
conjectured by some, that the river flowed immediately at the foot of this
way at the time of its construction. This is, however, mere conjecture,
unsupported by evidence. If admitted, it would give to this monument an
antiquity greatly superior to that of the pyramids, unless the deepening of
our river channels has been infinitely more rapid in times past, than at
present. But one fact favors the conjecture, and that is the entire absence of
remains of antiquity upon the beautiful terraces to which this graded
passage leads. They may nevertheless have been once as thickly populated
as they now are; and this passage may have been the grand avenue leading
to the sacred plain above, through which assemblies and processions
passed, in the solemn observances of a mysterious worship.
To the south of the smaller enclosure is a finely formed truncated mound,
(a view of which is given in a subsequent Plate,) thirty feet high, and
surrounded by a circular wall, constituting a perfect ellipse, the transverse
and conjugate diameters of which are two hundred and thirty feet, and two
hundred and fifteen feet respectively.59 This beautiful monument is now

enclosed in the public cemetery, and is carefully guarded from
encroachment. A flight of steps ascends to its summit, on which seats are
disposed, and from which a beautiful prospect is commanded.60 In the
vicinity occur several fragmentary walls, as shown in the map. p076
Excavations, or “dug holes,” are observable at various points around
these works. Near the great mound are several of considerable size. Those
indicated by m and n in the plan have been regarded and described as
wells . Their regularity and former depth are the only reasons adduced in
support of this belief. The circumstance of regularity is not at all
remarkable, and is a common feature in excavations manifestly made for
the purpose of procuring material for the construction of mounds, etc. Their
present depth is small, though it is represented to have been formerly much
greater. There is some reason for believing that they were dug in order to
procure clay for the construction of pottery and for other purposes,
inasmuch as a very fine variety of that material occurs at this point, some
distance below the surface. The surface soil has recently been removed, and
the manufacture of bricks commenced. The “clay lining” which has been
mentioned as characterizing these “wells,” is easily accounted for, by the
fact that they are sunk in a clay bank!
Upon the opposite side of the Muskingum river are bold, precipitous
bluffs, several hundred feet in height. Along their brows are a number of
small stone mounds. They command an extensive view, and overlook the
entire plain upon which the works here described are situated.61
Such are the principal facts connected with these interesting remains. The
generally received opinion respecting them is, that they were erected for
defensive purposes. Such was the belief of the late President H ARRISON,
who visited them in person, and whose opinion, in matters of this kind, is
entitled to great weight. The reasons for this belief have never been
presented, and they are not very obvious. The number and width of the
gateways, the absence of a fosse, as well as the character of the enclosed
and accompanying remains, present strong objections to the hypothesis
which ascribes to them a warlike origin. And it may here be remarked, that
the conjecture that the Muskingum ran at the base of the graded way

already described, at the period of its erection, seems to have had its origin
in the assumption of a military design in the entire group. Under this
hypothesis, it was supposed that the way was designed to cover or secure
access to the river,—an object which it would certainly not have required
the construction of a passage-way one hundred and fifty feet wide to effect.
The elevated squares were never designed for military purposes,—their
very regularity of structure forbids the conclusion. They were most likely
erected as the sites for structures which have long since passed away, or for
the celebration of unknown rites,—corresponding in short, in purpose as
they do in form, with those which they so much resemble in p077 Mexico
and Central America. Do not these enclosed structures give us the clue to
the purposes of the works with which they are connected? As heretofore
remarked, the sacred grounds of almost every people are set apart or
designated by enclosures of some kind.
The absolute identity in size between the smaller
enclosure, (which varies a little from a true square,) and
several of those which occur in the Scioto valley, should
not be overlooked, in any attempt to educe the character
and design of the group. That there is some significance
in the fact is obvious. (See Plates XVI and XVII.) There
are no other works in the immediate vicinity of Marietta.
Fig. 18. At Parkersburgh, Virginia, on the Ohio, twelve miles
below, there is an enclosure of irregular form and
considerable extent, a miniature plan of which, from the MSS. of Prof.
Rafinesque, is herewith presented, Fig. 18. There are also some works at
Belpre, opposite Parkersburgh.
The valley of the Muskingum is for the most part narrow, affording few
of those broad, level, and fertile terraces, which appear to have been the
especial favorites of the race of mound-builders, and upon which most of
their monuments are found. As a consequence, we find few remains of
magnitude in that valley, until it assumes a different aspect, in the vicinity
of Zanesville, ninety miles from its mouth, where the interesting remains
figured in the preceding Plate are situated.

XXVII. Portsmouth Works, at the mouth of the Scioto river. ♠

PLATE XXVII.
THE PORTSMOUTH WORKS, SCIOTO COUNTY, OHIO.

The beautiful plain at the confluence of the Scioto and Ohio rivers, where
now the flourishing town of Portsmouth is located, forms the site of a
singular and interesting series of works. It has been preferred to present
them together, as they seem to be intimately connected, leaving the reader
to form his own conclusions respecting them.
The works consist of three divisions or groups, extending for eight miles
along the Ohio river, and are connected by parallel lines of embankments.
Two of these groups are on the Kentucky side of the river; the remaining
one, together with the larger portion of the connecting embankment, on the
Ohio shore. A reference to the accompanying map, exhibiting a section of

eight miles of the Ohio valley, will show the relative positions and general
plan, though not the exact proportions of the series. The avenues or
“covered ways,” extending from one work to the other, have induced many
persons to assign them a military origin, and a design to protect
communication between the groups. But unless the work at A be regarded
as a work of defence, it is very certain that we must seek for some other
explanation of their purposes. These avenues constitute a p078 remarkable
feature; and as enlarged plans and full descriptions of the several groups
follow, it may be well to notice them more particularly here. It will be seen
that from the central group B, three lines lead off: one to the south-east, to a
point on the Ohio, nearly opposite to which, on the Kentucky side, it is
resumed, leading to the circular work C; another bears south-west, to a
point on the river, nearly opposite the large and regular work A. It does not
appear to be resumed on the other side of the river. A third line runs north-
west for a considerable distance, and loses itself in the broken grounds
towards the Scioto. It may have communicated with other works in that
direction, which have been obliterated by time, or, which is most likely,
were destroyed in the manifest changes which the plain in that direction has
undergone within a few centuries.
These lines consist of parallel embankments of earth, now measuring
about four feet in height, by twenty feet base. They are not far from one
hundred and sixty feet apart. The line leading towards the mouth of the
Scioto, however, at about midway of the distance, suddenly contracts to
seventy feet. It is said to have as suddenly widened further on, enclosing a
square area, with a gateway opening to the north. The town of Portsmouth
is built over this portion, and all traces of the parallelogram and the walls
have disappeared. Near the point of contraction in this line are two or three
mounds of medium size.
It is a fact to be observed in these as in similar lines at other places, that
they are not interrupted by the inequalities of the ground, but conform to the
undulations of the surface, running sometimes at right angles to the terrace
banks, and sometimes diagonally up and down them. At some points these
banks are very steep,—so steep, indeed, that in clambering up them the

explorer is inclined to doubt that they were ever used or intended for
purposes of communication. The only interruptions are those caused by the
passage of streams, there being no gateways observable. The total length of
the parallels now traceable may be estimated at eight miles, giving sixteen
miles of embankment to the parallels alone. If we include the walls of the
entire series, we have a grand total of upwards of twenty miles.
After this general view, the reader will be prepared to examine the groups
forming the series A, B, and C, in the order of their succession.

PLATE XXVIII.
PORTSMOUTH WORKS—GROUP A.

The singular work, a plan of which is here given, occurs on the Kentucky
side of the Ohio river, opposite the old mouth of the Scioto, about two miles
below the town of Portsmouth. The terrace on which it is situated is
elevated some fifty feet above the first bottom, and extends back to the
hills, which at this point p079 are at some distance from the river. It is much
cut up by ravines, and is quite uneven.

XXVIII. Portsmouth Works. ♠
No. 1. Group A.
No. 2. Group B.
No. 3. Group C.

The main body of the work is situated upon a very beautiful level,
somewhat ascending to the east. The wings are on equally beautiful levels,
except that they are broken at two or three points by ravines.
The principal work is an exact rectangle, eight hundred feet square. The
walls are about twelve feet high, by thirty-five or forty feet base, except on
the east, where advantage is taken of the rise of ground, so as to elevate
them about fifty feet above the centre of the area. This feature is exhibited
in the section a b .
The hollow way between the south-eastern wall and the terrace bank
beyond seems artificial,—at any rate, it has been modified by art. The
gateway on this side is entered by a slightly elevated causeway. At the

southern angle is a bastion, probably natural but adapted by art, which
commands the hollow way or ditch. The wall at this part is distinctly
marked, but not more than three feet high. On the south-western side is a
sort of runway, resembling a ditch, which loses itself in a deep gully
towards the river. It is undoubtedly wholly or in part artificial. There are no
traces of ditches elsewhere about the work. A narrow gateway thirty feet
wide opens in the middle of each side, and at the northern and western
angles, as represented in the plan.
The most singular features of this structure are its outworks, which
consist of parallel walls leading to the north-east and south-west. They are
exactly parallel to the sides of the main work, and are each two thousand
one hundred feet long. Some measurements make them of unequal lengths;
but after a careful calculation of the space occupied by the interrupting
ravines, they are found to be very nearly, not exactly, of the same length.
The parallel to the south-west has its outer wall in line with the north-
western wall of the main work, and starts at thirty feet distance from the
same. It is broken by a deep ravine near its extremity, which is probably
four or five hundred feet wide. Crossing the ravine, the walls, traces of
which are seen on the declivity, continue to some distance, and then curve
on a radius of one hundred feet, leaving a narrow gateway eight feet wide in
the centre. Converging walls start from the point of curve, but lose
themselves after running three hundred feet, without meeting. Just beyond
and a little to the right, on the plain, are two clay mounds, also a small
circle one hundred feet in diameter, the walls of which are two feet high.
The parallel to the north-east starts from the centre (nearly) of the main
work, and is similar to the one already described, save that it is not
terminated by converging walls, and has no mounds beyond. It is
interrupted by two ravines, the walls running to their very edges. The left
wall of the parallel bends to a right angle as it approaches the main work.
To the left of this parallel, four hundred and fifty feet from a point eight
hundred feet distant from the main work, on a high peninsula or headland,
is a singular redoubt, an enlarged view of which is given in the
supplementary plan N. To the left of it is the bank of the second bottom,

fifty feet high, and very steep. To the right is the hollow of a small stream
with steep banks. The embankment of this work is heavy, and the ditch deep
and wide, and interior to the wall. From p080 the bottom of the ditch to the
top of the wall, is perhaps twelve or fifteen feet. The enclosed oval area is
only sixty feet wide by one hundred and ten long. It has a gateway to the
north-east ten feet wide,—outside of which, in the deep forest, is the grave
of one of the first settlers. The object of this enclosure it is difficult to
divine. If a place of burial, as has been suggested, properly conducted
excavations would disclose the fact.
A light wall of some hundred paces in extent runs from the left hand
entrance of the main work, along the verge of a declivity terminating at the
western angle. On this side are also three mounds, each about six feet high,
—formerly much higher, having been greatly reduced by the plough. From
the western angle a deep gully runs off to the river; it has been mistaken by
some for a covered way.
The entire main work, the greater part of the lower parallel, and a portion
of the upper one, are now in open cultivated grounds. The walls of the main
work are so steep as to preclude cultivation, and now form the fence lines of
the area, which is fifteen acres. The area of the parallels is ten acres each;—
total, thirty-five acres.
Between this work and the river are traces of a modern Indian
encampment or town,—shells, burned stones, fragments of rude pottery,
etc., also some graves. This was a favorite spot with the Indians, for various
reasons, one of which is its proximity to a noted saline spring or deer lick,
known as “McArthur’s Lick.”
From the size of the walls, their position, and other circumstances, it has
been supposed that this was a fortified place. If palisaded, it would certainly
be impregnable to any savage attack. If designed as a sacred place, its
sloping area would be most fit for the observance of sacrifices or
ceremonies.
What may have been the purpose of the mysterious parallels, is more
than we, at this period, can venture to say.

PLATE XXVIII.
PORTSMOUTH WORKS—GROUP B.

This group also occupies the third terrace, and, though not so imposing in
magnitude as the one just described, seems to be the grand centre from
which the parallel lines, characterizing this series of works, radiate. Its
details are intricate, and can only be understood by the aid of the plan. The
two crescent or horse-shoe-shaped walls constitute the first striking feature
which presents itself. They are both of about the same size and shape,
measuring eighty feet in length by seventy in breadth. The earth around
them appears to have been considerably excavated. Enclosing these in part
is a circular wall now about five feet high. The elevation to the right
appears to be natural, although evidently much modified by art. It is
eighteen feet high at the end next the principal division of the work, but
gradually p081 subsides into a low ridge towards the enclosed mound a b . A
full view of the entire group may be had from its summit. The mound just
mentioned is twenty-eight feet high, by one hundred and ten base; it is
truncated and surrounded by a low circumvallation. There are several small
circles, measuring from one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty feet
in diameter; also a few mounds, in the positions indicated in the plan.
No one, after examining its details, would be apt to ascribe a military
origin to this group. The most reasonable conjecture respecting it is, that it
was in some way connected with the superstitions of the builders; in what
manner, of course, it is impossible to determine. A thorough examination of
the mounds might throw some light on the question. At any rate, it is
entirely unique in many of its features, and furnishes an interesting study
for the antiquary.

PLATE XXVIII.
PORTSMOUTH WORKS—GROUP C.

This group is on the Kentucky shore, and principally occupies the third
terrace, or high level at the base of the hills bordering the valley. The

ground is here considerably broken. The northern portion of the work is
somewhat lower than the remainder, and a small brook cuts through the
outer wall on the south. This work is in many respects novel, and for this
reason, as well as from the connection in which it is found, is entitled to an
attention not otherwise merited; for no person looking merely for what is
striking from position, or imposing from magnitude, would be apt to pay it
a second visit. It consists of four concentric circles, placed at irregular
intervals in respect to each other, and cut at right angles by four broad
avenues, which conform in bearing very nearly to the cardinal points. A
large mound is placed in the centre; it is truncated and terraced, and has a
graded way leading to its summit. A reference to the plan and sections will
exhibit in one view the dimensions and general aspect of the work,
obviating the necessity of a detailed description.
The mound in the centre, at first glance, would be taken for a natural
elevation; and it is possible that it is a detached spur of a hill, modified and
perhaps enlarged by art. A hillock in such a position is, however, a
circumstance of very rare occurrence. From the level summit of this mound,
a complete view of every part of the surrounding work is commanded. Were
it not for the obstructing forests, it is believed the eye might obtain, from
this position, a view of the river and intermediate plain, as also of the works
beyond, and several miles distant. On the supposition that this work was in
some way connected with the religious rites and ceremonies of the builders,
this mound must have afforded a most conspicuous place for their
observance and celebration. And it is easy, while standing on its p082
summit, to people it with the strange priesthood of ancient superstition, and
fill its avenues and line its walls with the thronging devotees of a
mysterious worship. Whatever may have been the divinity of their belief,
order, symmetry, and design were among his attributes; if, as appears most
likely, the works that most strongly exhibit these features were dedicated to
religious purposes, and were symbolical in their design.
About one mile to the west of this work are a number of mounds, some
of considerable size, and also a small circular work, D, of exquisite
symmetry and proportion. It consists of an embankment of earth five feet

high by thirty feet base, with an interior ditch twenty-five feet across by six
feet deep, enclosing an area ninety feet in diameter, in the centre of which
rises a mound eight feet high by forty feet base. A narrow gateway through
the parapet, and a causeway over the ditch, lead to the enclosed mound.

Fig. 19.—Circle and Mound, Greenup County, Kentucky.

The above view, taken on the spot, will illustrate the appearance of this
class of works. Nothing can exceed their regularity and beauty, when
clothed with turf or covered with forest trees.

PLATE XXIX. No. 1.
ANCIENT WORKS, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO. 62

These works are situated on the east bank of the Great Miami river, six
miles below Dayton, Montgomery county, Ohio. They are built upon the
second bottom or terrace, which is here nearly a mile broad, and elevated
about twenty feet above the river. The plan of the group coincides very
nearly with that of some of the p083 more regular works of the Scioto valley.
(See Plates XX and XXI.) It seems never to have been completed; at any
rate, the various parts were never connected. A portion of the great circle A
has been washed away by the river, which here encroaches upon the second
terrace. The diameter of this circle is one hundred feet greater than that of

the corresponding large circle of the Scioto works; and the same
proportionate increase in size is to be observed in the square and lower
circle. The embankments are now between five and six feet high, and have
a base fifty feet wide. They are composed of a tough, yellow clay, which is
found to be superimposed on the loam of the original level. It must have
been brought from a distance, as there are no excavations perceptible in the
vicinity. The embankments, as in the case of several other works which
have been noticed, appear to have been some time or other subjected to the
action of fire. They are unaccompanied by a ditch.

XXIX. ♠
No. 1. Ancient Works six miles below Dayton, Montgomery Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Ancient Work and Animal Effigy, Scioto Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Ancient Works near Worthington, Franklin Co., Ohio.

The Miami canal extends through these works, and the little town of
Alexandersville is laid out over a portion of the smaller circle. The clay
composing the embankments is now much used in the manufacture of
bricks, and but a little time will elapse before the work will be entirely
obliterated.
We can only regard this structure as kindred in its purposes to those
above alluded to in the Scioto valley, and associate it with the superstitions
of the builders. It tends to confirm the impression produced by the other
works, that some significance attaches to the combination of the two circles
and the square.

PLATE XXIX. No. 2.
ANCIENT WORKS, SCIOTO COUNTY, OHIO. 63

This singular work is situated five miles north of Portsmouth, Scioto
county, Ohio, on the west bank of the Scioto river. It is not a true ellipse,
but approaches very near it. Its longest axis is four hundred and eighty feet,
its conjugate diameter four hundred and seven feet. It is built upon a high
and beautiful level, elevated some sixty or seventy feet above the Scioto
river, which flows about half a mile to the eastward. The embankment is
unaccompanied by a ditch, and is about three feet in height, by thirty feet
base. It has, as shown in the plan, a single gateway, ninety feet wide,
opening to the south-east, which is covered by a long exterior mound, of
about the same height with the embankment of the enclosure.
Within this enclosure is a large irregular mound, which, from its
resemblance to the animal-shaped mounds of Wisconsin, of which notice
will be taken in p084 another place, constitutes by far the most interesting
feature of the work. It is of the form and relative size indicated in the plan,
and is composed of loose broken sandstone and earth, based upon
dislocated and broken sand-rock. It is from one to eight feet high, being
lowest at the eastern end or head, and at the projecting points. It is probably
of the same design with those of Wisconsin, already alluded to, which occur
in great numbers and in long and apparently dependent ranges. None of

those, however, so far as known, are found enclosed after the manner of the
one here presented. (See “Remains of the North-West .”) No explanation of
the probable design of this work will be attempted here: it is impossible,
however, to disconnect it from the superstitions of the ancient people. An
interesting fact is communicated by F. Cleveland, Esq., of Portsmouth, who
assisted Mr. Whittlesey in making the survey of this work, and who was
engineer on the Ohio canal when it was in progress; viz. that the workmen
engaged in excavating found large quantities of mica, in sheets, in the
immediate vicinity of this enclosure. This mineral is found in great
abundance in the mounds, and in the neighborhood of these ancient works.

PLATE XXIX. No. 3.
ANCIENT WORKS, FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO. 64

This work occurs on the banks of Olentangy creek, a tributary of the
Scioto river, about one mile west of the town of Worthington, Franklin
county, Ohio. The plateau upon the edge of which it is situated is elevated
about fifty feet above the bottoms of the Olentangy, and consists of a clayey
soil resting on the black shale formation of Ohio. The work is rectangular in
form; its sides correspond very nearly with the cardinal points, (varying but
five degrees,) and measure six hundred and thirty, and five hundred and
fifty feet respectively. The walls are unaccompanied by a ditch, and are very
slight, though distinctly traceable. In the line of the southern wall is a large
truncated mound, C, twenty feet in height, and measuring one hundred and
ninety-two feet in diameter at the base, and seventy-six feet in diameter at
the summit. It is covered with large trees. The wall that leads from this
mound to the left, is placed a little further outwards than that leading to the
right. The mound D, in the centre of the enclosure, is small and low. Near
the south-western corner of the work is a small circle, with an interior ditch
and single entrance; it is one hundred and twenty feet in diameter. Some
distance to the north-west of the enclosure, and on the opposite side of a
deep ravine, is another small circle, one hundred and forty feet in diameter,
with three entrances. p085

XXX. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. Butler Co. Ohio
No. 2. Butler Co. Ohio
No. 3. Near Bourneville, Ross Co. Ohio
No. 4. On Black Run, Ross Co. Ohio

PLATE XXX. No. 1. 65

This work is situated four miles south-west of the town of Hamilton,
Butler county, Ohio, on S. 10, T. 1, R. 2, between the Great and Little
Miami rivers. It is indicated by the letter C, in the Map of a section of the
Miami valley (Plate III, No. 2).
The ground upon which this unique work is built is the level bottom of
the Miami river, at a distance from any high lands. The principal or square
portion of the work is constructed of an embankment of earth, about four
feet high by fifty feet base, unaccompanied by a ditch. The walls of the

circular or irregular portion of the work, towards Pleasant run, are
considerably heavier, and have an interior ditch. The work is not an exact
square, nor are its gateways disposed with the usual degree of regularity.
The walls, at the western angle, terminate in a large oblong mound, and a
small mound occupies the centre of one of the attached circular works.
At a short distance from the enclosure, towards the south, are two large
mounds, placed one hundred and thirty-five feet apart. They are each about
two hundred and fifty feet in circumference, and fifteen feet in
perpendicular height, and are in part composed of large stones. These
mounds, as also the larger portion of the enclosure, are situated in timbered
land, the forests presenting the usual primitive aspect. The trees growing
upon the walls are of the largest size, and are surrounded by the fallen and
decayed trunks of their predecessors. From this work to the Miami river, the
distance is now about half a mile; the intervening bottom is low and of
comparatively recent formation. It is probable that the river once washed
the work, at the point now bounded by Pleasant run.
For reasons which it is here unnecessary to recapitulate, this work is
deemed of religious origin.

PLATE XXX. No. 2. 66

This work is indicated by the letter F, in the map of a section of the
Miami valley, and is situated on the right bank of the Miami river, seven
miles below the town of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, on S. 27 and 34, T.
3, R. 2, E. M.
Little can be said respecting it, except that it is a circle of considerable
size, p086 bounded by an embankment, at present about two feet high,
composed of earth taken up evenly from the surface, or brought from a
distance. It has an entrance to the left, two hundred and seventy-five feet
wide; the embankment upon either hand terminating in a small mound,
between four and five feet high. The area of the enclosure is level, and
covered with forest: the trees are, however, small, owing probably to the

nature of the soil, which is thin and gravelly. The plain is here fifty feet
above the adjacent bottoms.
About a mile north-east of this work, on the opposite bank of Indian
creek, are three large mounds, on a line with each other. On the lower
bottom or terrace, opposite to each mound, is a corresponding hole or
excavation, from which the earth composing them was doubtless obtained.

PLATE XXX. No. 3.
ANCIENT WORK NEAR BOURNEVILLE, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

The small work here figured is one of the most beautiful in the State of
Ohio. It is situated upon the highest terrace, directly facing, and about one
mile distant from, the great stone hill-work of the Paint creek valley (Plate
IV). It consists of a wall of earth, eight or ten feet in height, with a broad
and shallow exterior ditch. In figure it is elliptical, with a transverse
diameter of seven hundred and fifty, and a conjugate diameter of six
hundred and seventy-five feet. It has a gateway one hundred and twenty feet
wide, leading into it from the south-west. It opens upon a small spur of the
terrace, which has been artificially rounded and graded, so as to make a
regular and easy descent to the lower level. Upon either side of this grade,
the banks of the terrace are steep and irregular. A very copious spring of
water starts from the bank near the wall, a little to the right of the entrance.
A small circle and a couple of mounds are situated on the next lower
terrace, at the points indicated in the plan.
This work is admirably preserved, and is remarkable as being the only
circular work at present known, which has its ditch exterior to the walls.
The proprietor esteems the soil much richer within the enclosure, than upon
the adjacent plain. We are unprepared to ascribe any other than a religious
origin to this structure. p087

PLATE XXX. No. 4.
STONE WORK ON “BLACK RUN,” ROSS COUNTY, OHIO.

This unique work is situated in the little valley of “Black run,” a small
tributary of Paint creek, and is distant about fifteen miles from Chillicothe.
It is indicated by the letter E, in the “Map exhibiting a section of six miles
of the Paint creek valley.” The walls are composed of stones; but if ever
regularly laid up, they are now thrown down, though not greatly scattered.
The outlines are clearly defined, and can be exactly traced. The body of the
work is elliptical in shape, its conjugate diameter being one hundred and
seventy feet, its transverse two hundred and fifty feet. There is a single
opening or gateway, fifty feet wide, on the south, where the walls curve
outwards and lap back upon themselves for the space of sixty feet. The most
remarkable feature of this singular work consists of five walls, starting
within ten feet of the unbroken line of the elliptical enclosure, and
extending thence northward, slightly converging, for the distance of one
hundred feet. The lines of the outer walls, if prolonged, would intersect
each other at the distance of two hundred and fifty feet. These walls are
twenty feet broad at the ends nearest the enclosure, and ten feet apart. They
diminish gradually, as they recede, to ten feet at their outer extremities. The
western wall is nearly obliterated; the stones for the construction of all the
“cabin” hearths and chimneys in the neighborhood having been taken from
this spot. The western portion of the wall of the ellipse has also suffered
from the same cause. The amount of stone embraced in the outer walls is
considerable, probably sufficient to construct walls of equal length, six feet
broad and eight feet high. They now exhibit but slight evidence of ever
having been regularly laid up, and more resemble mounds of stones rudely
thrown together. The stones have been removed from a section of the
central wall, to the base; but we have been unable to ascertain that the
operation disclosed relics of any kind. The wall of the body of the work
appears considerably lighter than those last mentioned, and it is now quite
impossible to determine whether it was ever regularly constructed. The
stones cover a space fifteen or twenty feet broad, and are irregularly heaped
together to the height of perhaps three feet. The work is overgrown with
briers, bushes, and trees; which, when in leaf, completely hide its features

from view, and render a satisfactory examination impossible. In the autumn
or spring, the entire outline of the work is distinctly visible.
The purposes of this strange work are entirely inexplicable: its small size
precludes the idea of a defensive origin. It is the only structure of the kind
which has yet been discovered in the valleys, and it is totally unlike those
found on the hills. The great “Stone Fort” on Paint creek (Plate IV) is but
two miles distant, and overlooks this work; both may be regarded as
belonging to the same era, and as probably in some way connected with
each other. p088

PLATE XXXI.
GRADED WAY, NEAR PIKETON, PIKE COUNTY, OHIO.

There is a singular class of earthworks, occurring at various points at the
West, which seem better to come up to the utilitarian standard of our day
than any other, and the purposes of which to the popular mind, if not to that
of the antiquarian, seem very clear. These are the graded ways , ascending
sometimes from one terrace to another, and occasionally descending
towards the banks of rivers or water-courses. The one already described, in
connection with the works at Marietta, is of the latter description; as is also
that at Piqua, Ohio, described by Maj. L ONG. 67 One of the former character
occurs near Richmondale, Ross county, Ohio; and another, and the most
remarkable one, about one mile below Piketon, Pike county, in the same
State. A plan and view of the latter is herewith presented.

Fig. 20.—View of graded way near Piketon Ohio.

It consists of a graded ascent from the second to the third terrace, the
level of which is here seventeen feet above that of the former. The way is
ten hundred and eighty feet long, by two hundred and fifteen feet wide at
one extremity, and two hundred and three feet wide at the other, measured
between the bases of the banks. p089 The earth is thrown outward on either
hand, forming embankments varying upon the outer sides from five to
eleven feet in height; yet it appears that much more earth has been
excavated than enters into these walls. At the lower extremity of the grade,
the walls upon the interior sides measure no less than twenty-two feet in
perpendicular height. The easy ascent here afforded has been rendered
available in the construction of the Chillicothe and Portsmouth turnpike,
which passes through it. The walls are covered with trees and bushes, and
resemble parallel natural hills, and probably would be regarded as such by
the superficial observer. Indeed, hundreds pass along without suspecting
that they are in the midst of one of the most interesting monuments which
the country affords, and one which bears a marked resemblance to some of
those works which are described to us in connection with the causeways
and aqueducts of Mexico.

XXXI. ♠
No. 1. Graded-way Near Piketon, Pike Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Ancient Work Near Sommerville, Butler Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Ancient Work on Nine Mile Creek, Butler Co. Ohio.
No. 4. Ancient Work on Great Miami River, Butler Co. Ohio.

From the end of the right-hand wall, upon the third terrace, extends a low
line of embankment, (now much obliterated by the construction of the
turnpike,) two thousand five hundred and eighty feet long, leading towards
a group of mounds, as shown in the plan. At the distance of fifteen hundred
feet from the grade, a wall starts off at right angles, for the distance of two
hundred and twelve feet, when it assumes a course parallel to the principal
line for four hundred and twenty feet, and then curves inwardly, terminating
near a group consisting of one large and three small mounds. A ground plan
of the latter is elsewhere given. This group of mounds is now enclosed, and
constitutes the cemetery of the neighborhood. Forty rods to the right of this
group, is a large mound thirty feet in height. Several small mounds occur
upon the adjacent plain, though no enclosures of magnitude are found
nearer than five miles lower down, on the river.
The left-hand wall of the grade as we descend seems continued down
upon the second terrace for some distance, terminating near a low spot of
ground, usually containing water. Similar depressions are observed in the
ancient beds of streams. It has been suggested that the Scioto river once
flowed along the base of the terrace at this point, and that the way led down
to it. Without expressing an opinion upon the probability of this conjecture,
it is sufficient to observe that the river now flows more than half a mile to
the left, and that two terraces, each twenty feet in height, intervene between
the present and the supposed ancient level of the stream. To assent to the
suggestion, would be to admit an almost immeasurable antiquity to the
structure under consideration.
It is, of course, useless to speculate upon the probable purpose of this
work. At first glance, it seems obvious; namely, that it was constructed
simply to facilitate the ascent from one terrace to another. But the long line
of embankment extending from it, and the manifest connection which exists

between it and the mounds upon the plain, unsettle this conclusion. After
all, we are obliged to leave this interesting work with the single remark,
already several times made in respect to others equally interesting and
inexplicable, that future investigations, carefully conducted, may solve alike
the problem of their purposes and of their origin.68 p090
A singular work of art occurs on the top of a high hill, standing in the rear
of the town of Piketon, and overlooking it, which it may not be out of place
to mention here. It consists of a perfectly circular excavation, thirty feet in
diameter, and twelve feet deep, terminating in a point at the bottom. It
contains water for the greater part of the year. A slight and regular wall is
thrown up around its edge. A full and very distinct view of the graded way
just described is commanded from this point.

PLATE XXXI. Nos. 2, 3, and 4.

The works here presented possess few characteristics of works of
defence, and yet have little of the regularity, and but few of the features,
which distinguish the sacred enclosures.
N UMBER 2 is situated near Sommerville, Butler county, Ohio, on S. 3
and 10, T. 5, R. 2, E. M. It occupies the second terrace between Pleasant
run and Seven Mile creek, and seems to have been encroached upon by
both these streams. This terrace is about twenty-five feet higher than the
first terrace, and is bounded by steep banks. The wall of the work is about
four feet high, the ditch of proportionate depth. Near the centre is an
exceedingly regular mound, one hundred feet in diameter at the base, and
thirteen feet in altitude. It is now covered with a fine growth of maple-
trees. At the north-east corner of the work, in the embankment, there is a
quantity of stones placed with some degree of regularity,—probably
originally constituting a sort of wall. At the opposite extremity of the work
is a dug hole or “well.”
N UMBER 3 is situated nine miles north of the town of Hamilton, Butler
county, Ohio, on a rich alluvial bottom, between Seven Mile and Nine

Mile creeks, the latter of which seems to have encroached upon the work.
The large oblong mound in the centre was partially excavated in
constructing the Hamilton and Eaton turnpike. A quantity of bones were
discovered; but nothing is known of the position in which they were found.
N UMBER 4 is situated on the east bank of the Great Miami river, four
miles below the town of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, and is indicated by
the letter D, in the map of a section of the Miami valley. Probably not more
than half the original work now exists, the remainder having been
destroyed by the encroachments of the river. The wall and ditch are slight;
the former not exceeding three feet in height, and the latter two feet in
depth. At the bank of the river, however, the original depth of the ditch, as
also the amount of the vegetable and other matter with which it is filled up,
are distinctly visible. The ditch, which had been sunk into the p091 gravel,
was originally five feet eight inches in depth; the accumulation since its
abandonment has been, therefore, three feet eight inches. Allowing the
wall to have subsided to an equal extent, its original height from the
bottom of the trench must have been upwards of twelve feet.
The rapidity with which the river encroaches upon its banks at this point
may be inferred from the fact, that twenty years previous to the time of the
survey of this work by Mr. McBride, in 1836, the river flowed not far from
three hundred feet to the left of the central mound, which since that time
has entirely disappeared. About thirty feet below this mound was found,
some years ago, a number of flat stories set on edge, forming a kind of
coffin, in which was a human skeleton, accompanied by a large marine
shell and some rude implements. About a fourth of a mile below this work,
appears to have been a general cemetery. The graves are indicated by small
regular elevations.69 The three works last described are laid down from the
surveys of Mr. M C B RIDE , from whose notes the above facts are
principally derived.

PLATE XXXII.

Upon this plate are placed a number of small works, and groups of
works, arranged however with no view to any relationship, but as best
served the purposes of the engraver.

XXXII. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. On Mill Creek, Butler Co. Ohio.
No. 2. Near Lowell, Washington Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Near Chillicothe, Ross Co. Ohio.
No. 4. In Chillicothe, Ross Co. Ohio.
No. 5. Near Bainbridge, Ross Co. Ohio.
No. 6. Near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery Co. Kentucky.

N UMBER 1 is a group of small works situated on a branch of Mill creek,
near the south-east corner of Butler county, Ohio, on S. 14, T. 3, R. 2, M.
R. The rectangular work is two hundred and twenty feet long, by one
hundred and twenty feet broad. The walls are now about five feet high, and

are unaccompanied by a ditch. There were standing upon the embankment,
in 1842, a red-oak tree three and a half feet in diameter, and a white-oak
tree three feet in diameter. Twenty rods north of this work is a truncated
mound ten feet high; and a short distance p092 beyond it, rises a steep
bank, fifty feet high, ascending which we come to elevated ground. Here
are the remains of another small elliptical work, and some mounds. Upon
the brow of the bank, at a , is a pile of stones much burned, which is
known in the vicinity as “the furnace .” Immediately below, at the foot of
the bank, is a copious spring. The survey of this group was made by Mr.
M C B RIDE .
N UMBER 2 is situated near the town of Lowell, Washington county,
Ohio, and consists of a slight embankment of earth, of exceedingly regular
outline. Little can be said of it, except that it is accompanied by eleven
mounds; all of which are, however, exterior to the walls.
N UMBER 3 is a group of small works, occupying the high lands on the
east side of the Scioto river, opposite Chillicothe. They are indicated by the
letter L, in the map of a section of the Scioto Valley (Plate II). They are
introduced on a very small scale, so as to exhibit the dependence which
seems to exist between them. Of course the relative size of the circles and
mounds is considerably exaggerated. The mound numbered 1 occupies the
most conspicuous point in the valley; and from it is afforded the most
extended view that can be obtained in that entire region. Whether this fact
can be taken to establish its design as a beacon or observatory, it is not
presumed to say. The mound numbered 2 is one of the finest known. It is
elliptical, one hundred and sixty feet long, sixty broad, and fifteen high. It
has never been investigated. The remaining mounds, 3, 4, 5, and 6, are all
of large size. A fine view of the extensive ancient works in the vicinity of
Chillicothe must have been afforded from these elevated plains.
N UMBER 4.—These works are included within the corporation limits of
Chillicothe. They are already much obliterated, and will soon be no longer
traceable. They consist of a series of small circles, of uniform size, each
two hundred and fifty feet in diameter. More extensive works formerly

existed in connection with them, but have now entirely disappeared. The
mound represented in the plan is seventeen feet in height, and has what
seems to be a graded ascent from the south. It has been excavated, and will
be noticed at length elsewhere in this volume. The circles, it will be
observed, appear to be disposed with some degree of regularity in respect
to each other. The gateways of three of them open towards the east, that of
the remaining one towards the south.
N UMBER 5.—This unique little work is situated in the valley of Paint
creek, about one mile west of the village of Bainbridge, Ross county, Ohio,
on the turnpike leading from Chillicothe to Cincinnati. Its character can
only be understood from the plan. It affords but one of the thousand
various combinations which the circular structures of the West assume. It
can, of course, be regarded only as connected with the superstitions of the
builders, for the reason that it could answer no good purpose for
protection, nor subserve any of the p093 useful purposes for which
enclosures are required, such as the limits of fields and possessions, or the
boundaries of villages.
N UMBER 6.—This work is situated near Mount Sterling, Montgomery
county, Kentucky; and consists of a large truncated mound, twenty-five
feet in height, flanked on the north and west by narrow grades or slopes. It
is connected with a circular work, three hundred and fifty feet in diameter,
by an elevated way or terrace, one hundred feet long. The circle has a
small mound in its centre, and a gateway opening to the east. Three small
mounds occur in close connection with it. The plan is from the
R AFINESQUE M SS.
Lest these comparatively little works should appear insignificant, from
the small scale on which they are presented, it may be well enough to
remark, that the circle formed by the stones composing the great temple of
Stonehenge is but a little more than one hundred feet in diameter, and that
most of the circular earth and stone structures of the British islands are
considerably less in size than those here presented.

PLATE XXXIII. No. 1. 70

This group of ancient works is situated on the west side of Brush creek,
six miles south-east of Mount Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentucky. The
work indicated by the letter A is one hundred feet square, and is composed
of a slight embankment, with an interior ditch. There is an entrance from
the east. The elliptical mound C is about two hundred yards distant from A,
towards the east. It is nine feet high, two hundred and seventy feet in
circumference, truncated, and surmounted by a smaller conical mound.
Another small mound is connected with it, as shown in the plan. B is a
circular work, five hundred and ten feet in circumference, with a ditch
interior to the wall, and a gateway opening towards the east. The
unexcavated ground in the interior is square in form, exhibiting an entire
identity in this feature with various works in Ohio. (See Plates XXII,
XXIV.) D is a hexagonal enclosure; whole circumference three hundred
feet, each side fifty feet, with a gateway at the eastern corner. On the
opposite side of Brush creek is a large elliptical mound, E. This group
occupies a broad, elevated plain. Numerous other works occur in the same
county. p094

XXXIII. ♠
No. 1. Ancient Works on Brush Creek, near Mount Sterling, Kentucky.
No. 2. Ancient Work near Winchester, Indiana.
No. 3. Map of a part of T. 20, R. 14, Randolph Co. Indiana.

PLATE XXXIII. No. 2. 71

The character of this work, which is situated in Randolph county,
Indiana, is sufficiently well exhibited by the plan. In the same vicinity are
other works of an interesting character, the relative positions of which are
shown in the sectional map. The work of which the enlarged plan is here
given is indicated by the letter A on the map. A precisely analogous work,
of smaller size, is situated on Sugar creek at C. At B is a copious spring,
surrounded by an embankment.

PLATE XXXIV. No. 1.
ANCIENT WORK, CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO.

The work here presented is situated near the western border of Clermont
county, Ohio, about one mile east from the town of Milford, which is built
near the junction of the East fork with the Little Miami river. It occupies the
third terrace, which is here broad and fertile, and consists of those
constantly recurring figures, the square and the circle. The plan will give a
correct idea of its outline. In its form and combination, it closely resembles
some of the more remarkable structures of the Scioto valley, and was
doubtless erected for a common purpose with them. It has, however, one
novel and interesting feature. The parallels which lead off from the large
irregular circle extend upon an isolated hill to the left, which is elevated
perhaps fifty feet above the plain, where they end in a small circle, not more
than three hundred feet in diameter. From this circle diverging lines extend
to the south-west, terminating in a maze of walls unlike any others which
have yet fallen under notice. A portion of the parallels and the diverging
lines just mentioned are much reduced, and when the crops are on the
ground, are hardly traceable.

From the hill an extensive prospect is afforded, bringing in view the sites
of several large groups of works in the vicinity. It has been suggested that
the structures upon the hill were devoted to rites analogous to those
attending the primitive hill or grove worship of the East.
An inspection of this work shows clearly that the irregularity of the great
circle is due to the nature of the ground, and that the terrace bank bordering
the old bed of the East fork existed at the period of the construction of the
work. The river now flows a considerable distance to the southward. p095

XXXIV. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. Near Milford, Clermont Co. Ohio.
No. 2. On E. Fork Little Miami River, Clermont Co. Ohio.
No. 3. On Massies Creek, Greene Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Seven Miles N. from Xenia, Greene Co. Ohio.

About four miles above the Milford work, on the East fork of the Little
Miami, is a small rectangular work. It is entirely isolated. Its sides measure

each seven hundred feet; and it has gateways at each corner and midway on
each side.
A very good survey of this work was made many years ago by Gen.
L YTLE of Cincinnati, and published in Worden’s Appendix to Du Paix’s
work on the antiquities of Mexico.

PLATE XXXIV. No. 2.

The work indicated by the letter A is situated upon the opposite side of
the Little Miami, from that last described. The plan, which is also from a
survey by Gen. L YTLE, sufficiently explains its character. Several mounds
occur in the vicinity of this work, and a few miles below, at Newtown, there
is a considerable group of large mounds.
About twenty miles above these remains, upon the East fork of the Little
Miami, is a singular work, a plan of which, B, is here given. It was also
surveyed by Gen. L YTLE, and a plan of it appears both in Du Paix’s work,
and in the appendix to Hugh Williamson’s work on the climate of America.
Whether both plans are from the same survey is unknown; they however
coincide in all important particulars. Without vouching for the entire
accuracy of the plan, we may be permitted to say that there can be no doubt
of the existence of a work of this general and extraordinary outline, at the
point indicated. Its thorough investigation is an object greatly to be desired.

PLATE XXXIV. Nos. 3 and 4.
ANCIENT WORKS, GREENE COUNTY, OHIO.

N UMBER 3.—This group is situated on Massie’s creek, about half a mile
below the fortified promontory already described, Plate XII, No. 3. It has
no features worthy of special notice. The walls of the semi-circles are
about five feet in height.
N UMBER 4.—The polygon here presented is situated on the right bank
of the Little Miami river, seven miles above Xenia, Greene county, Ohio. It
lies chiefly in S. 24, T. 4, and R. 8, and closely resembles several of the

Kentucky works, plans of which are given on Plate XIV. It was probably
designed for defence. A p096 number of other works occur in this vicinity.
One of considerable size is found at Oldtown, near the former site of the
“Old Miami towns,” so famous in the history of our Indian wars.

Among the earthworks of the Ohio valley, there is a small but very
interesting class, which has hitherto most unaccountably escaped
observation. They are not enclosures, nor can we with propriety designate
them as mounds, according to the technical application of the term in this
work. They bear some resemblance to the “animal-shaped mounds” of
Wisconsin, to which public attention has recently been several times
directed; but from their position, dependencies, and other circumstances,
they seem clearly of a different origin and dedicated to a different purpose.
For reasons which cannot fail to be obvious to every mind, after an
examination of the illustrations which follow, they have been classed as
works of sacred origin. Their character, so far as known, will appear from
the examples here presented. What may have been their mythological
signification, it is perhaps hopeless for us to inquire. They possess some
truly remarkable analogies to remains of other portions of the globe, which
will furnish the studious inquirer with matter for deeply interesting
speculation.

PLATE XXXV.
THE GREAT SERPENT, ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO.

Probably the most extraordinary earthwork thus far discovered at the
West, is the Great Serpent, of which a faithful delineation is given in the
accompanying plan. It is situated on Brush creek, at a point known as the
“Three Forks,” on Entry 1014, near the north line of Adams county, Ohio.
No plan or description has hitherto been published; nor does the fact of its
existence appear to have been known beyond the secluded vicinity in which
it occurs. The notice first received by the authors of these researches was
exceedingly vague and indefinite, and led to the conclusion that it was a

work of defence, with bastions at regular intervals,—a feature so
extraordinary as to induce a visit, which resulted in the discovery here
presented. The true character of the work was apparent on the first
inspection.

XXXV. Great Serpent, Adams Co. Ohio. ♠

It is situated upon a high, crescent-form hill or spur of land, rising one
hundred and fifty feet above the level of Brush creek, which washes its
base. The side of the hill next the stream presents a perpendicular wall of
rock, while the other p097 slopes rapidly, though it is not so steep as to
preclude cultivation. The top of the hill is not level but slightly convex, and
presents a very even surface, one hundred and fifty feet wide by one
thousand long, measuring from its extremity to the point where it connects
with the table land. Conforming to the curve of the hill, and occupying its
very summit, is the serpent, its head resting near the point, and its body
winding back for seven hundred feet, in graceful undulations, terminating in
a triple coil at the tail. The entire length, if extended, would be not less than
one thousand feet. The accompanying plan, laid down from accurate survey,
can alone give an adequate conception of the outline of the work, which is
clearly and boldly defined, the embankment being upwards of five feet in
height by thirty feet base, at the centre of the body, but diminishing
somewhat towards the head and tail. The neck of the serpent is stretched out
and slightly curved, and its mouth is opened wide as if in the act of
swallowing or ejecting an oval figure, which rests partially within the
distended jaws. This oval is formed by an embankment of earth, without
any perceptible opening, four feet in height, and is perfectly regular in
outline, its transverse and conjugate diameters being one hundred and sixty
and eighty feet respectively. The ground within the oval is slightly elevated:
a small circular elevation of large stones much burned once existed in its
centre; but they have been thrown down and scattered by some ignorant
visitor, under the prevailing impression probably that gold was hidden
beneath them. The point of the hill, within which this egg-shaped figure
rests, seems to have been artificially cut to conform to its outline, leaving a
smooth platform, ten feet wide, and somewhat inclining inwards, all around
it. The section a b will illustrate this feature.
Upon either side of the serpent’s head extend two small triangular
elevations, ten or twelve feet over. They are not high, and although too
distinct to be overlooked, are yet too much obliterated to be satisfactorily
traced. Besides a platform, or level oval terrace, at B, and a large mound in

the centre of the isthmus connecting the hill with the table land beyond,
there are no other remains, excepting a few mounds, within six or eight
miles,—none, perhaps, nearer than the entrenched hill in Highland county,
(see Plate V,) thirteen miles distant. There are a number of works lower
down on Brush creek, towards its mouth; but their character is not known.
The point on which this effigy occurs commands an extensive prospect,
overlooking the “bottoms” found at the junction of the three principal
tributaries of the creek. The alluvial terraces are here quite extensive, and it
is a matter of surprise that no works occur upon them.
The serpent, separate or in combination with the circle, egg, or globe, has
been a predominant symbol among many primitive nations. It prevailed in
Egypt, Greece, and Assyria, and entered widely into the superstitions of the
Celts, the Hindoos, and the Chinese. It even penetrated into America; and
was conspicuous in the mythology of the ancient Mexicans, among whom
its significance does not seem to have differed materially from that which it
possessed in the old world. The fact that the ancient Celts, and perhaps
other nations of the old continent, erected sacred structures in the form of
the serpent, is one of high interest. Of this description was the great temple
of Abury, in England,—in many respects the most imposing ancient
monument of the British islands. p098
It is impossible, in this connection, to trace the analogies which the Ohio
structure exhibits to the serpent temples of England, or to point out the
extent to which the symbol was applied in America,—an investigation
fraught with the greatest interest both in respect to the light which it reflects
upon the primitive superstitions of remotely separated people, and
especially upon the origin of the American race.

PLATE XXXVI. No. 1.
“THE CROSS,” PICKAWAY COUNTY, OHIO.

The work here figured is found near the little town of Tarlton, Pickaway
county, Ohio, in the narrow valley of “Salt creek,” a tributary of the Scioto
river, eighteen miles north-east from Chillicothe, on the great road to

Zanesville. In position it corresponds generally with the remarkable work
last described, though wholly unlike it in form. It occupies a narrow spur of
land, at a prominent point of the valley; its form is that of a Greek cross,
ninety feet between the ends, and elevated three feet above the adjacent
surface. It is surrounded by a slight ditch, corresponding to the outline of
the elevation; in the centre is a circular depression, twenty feet across and
twenty inches deep. The sides of the cross correspond very nearly with the
cardinal points. Immediately back of it, is a small circular elevation of stone
and earth, resembling that in connection with the Granville effigy, (No. 2 of
the Plate,) and denominated an altar in the description of that work. Several
small mounds occur near by; and upon the high hill, a spur of which is
occupied by the cross, are several large mounds. Mounds are quite
numerous in this little valley, and on the hills bordering it; but it is not
known to contain any enclosures.

PLATE XXXVI. No. 2.
“THE ALLIGATOR,” LICKING COUNTY, OHIO.

This strange work occupies a position somewhat analogous to that of the
great serpent already described. It occurs about one mile below the town of
Granville, Licking county, Ohio, upon a high and beautifully rounded spur
of land, which projects boldly into the delightful valley of “Raccoon creek,”
a stream which, in conjunction with the “South fork,” forms Licking creek
or river, the principal p099 tributary of the Muskingum. The hill or headland
is one hundred and fifty or two hundred feet in height; and the effigy rests
upon its very brow, conforming to its longitudinal as well as lateral curve.
Its form is accurately indicated in the plan. It is known in the vicinity as
“the Alligator;” which designation has been adopted, for want of a better,
although the figure bears as close a resemblance to the lizard as any other
reptile. It is placed transversely to the point of land on which it occurs, the
head pointing to the south-west; its precise bearing is S. 67° W. The total
length from the point of the nose following the curve of the tail to the tip, is
about two hundred and fifty feet; the breadth of the body forty feet; and the

length of the legs or paws, each thirty-six feet. The ends of the paws are a
little broader than the remaining portions of the same, as if the spread of the
toes had been originally indicated. The head, shoulders, and rump, are more
elevated than the other parts of the body, an attempt having evidently been
made to preserve the proportions of the object copied. The outline of the
figure is clearly defined; its average height is not less than four feet; at the
shoulders it is six feet in altitude. Upon the inner side of the effigy is an
elevated circular space, covered with stones which have been much burned.
This has been denominated an altar. Leading from it to the top of the effigy
is a graded way, ten feet broad. The earth has been excavated at various
points of the figure; but nothing was disclosed except the fact that the
framework is composed of stones of considerable size. The superstructure is
of fine clay, which seems to have been brought from a distance, as no signs
of excavation are apparent in the vicinity.

XXXVI. ♠
No. 1. “The Cross”, Near Tarlton, Pickaway Co. Ohio.
No. 2. “The Alligator”, Near Granville, Licking Co. Ohio.
No. 3. Rock Mill Work, Fairfield Co. Ohio.
No. 4. Map of Section of Newark Valley.

The headland upon which this effigy occurs is so regular as almost to
induce the belief that it has been artificially rounded. Its symmetry has
lately been somewhat broken by the opening of a quarry in its face, the
further working of which will inevitably result in the entire destruction of
this interesting monument.72 It commands a view of the entire valley for
eight or ten miles, and is by far the most conspicuous point within that
limit. Its prominence is, of necessity, somewhat exaggerated in the small
map “exhibiting a section of six miles of the Newark valley,” (No. 4 of the
Plate,) in which it is indicated by the letter A. The extensive work E, in the
vicinity of Newark, would be distinctly visible from this point, in the

absence of the intervening forests. In the valley immediately opposite, and
less than half a mile distant, is a large and beautiful circular work, C. To the
right, three fourths of a mile distant, is a fortified hill B, (see Plate IX,) and
upon the opposing side of the valley is another entrenched hill, D; all of
which, together with numerous mounds upon the hill-tops and in the valley,
are commanded from this position.
It seems more than probable that this singular effigy, like that last
described, had its origin in the superstitions of its makers. It was perhaps
the high place where sacrifices were made, on stated or extraordinary
occasions, and where the p100 ancient people gathered to celebrate the rites
of their unknown worship. Its position, and all the circumstances attending
it, certainly favor such a conclusion. The valley which it overlooks abounds
in traces of the remote people, and seems to have been one of the centres of
ancient population.

PLATE XXXVI. No. 3.
ROCK MILL WORKS, FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 73

This work is remarkable as being the only one, entirely regular in its
plan, which has yet been discovered occupying the summit of a hill. It is
situated on the road from Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, to Columbus,
the capital of the State, seven miles distant from the former place, near a
point known as the “Hocking river Upper Falls,” or “Rock Mill.” It consists
of a small square measuring four hundred and twenty feet on each side, in
combination with two small circles, one hundred and twenty-five and two
hundred and ten feet in diameter respectively. The hill is nearly two
hundred feet in height, with a slightly undulating plain of small extent at its
summit. The works are so arranged that the small circle, enclosing the
mound, overlooks every part and commands a wide prospect on every hand.
Towards the brow of the hill, at prominent points, are two elliptical terraces
or elevations of small size. The sides of the square enclosure correspond to
the cardinal points. The walls, excepting those of the circular structures, are
very slight, and unaccompanied by a ditch. The work is clearly not of a

defensive origin, and must be classed with those of similar outline
occupying the river terraces. At a short distance above this point, the
champaign country commences, and no other remains are found. The
erections of the mound-builders are almost exclusively confined to the
borders of the water-courses.
There are very few enclosures, so far as known, in the Hocking river
valley; there are, however, numerous mounds upon the narrow terraces and
on the hills bordering them. In the vicinity of Athens are a number of the
largest size, and also several enclosures. (See Plate XXIII.) Mounds are
found upon the high bluffs in the neighborhood of Lancaster, at points
commanding the widest range. An examination of the valley with a view of
bringing to light its ancient monuments would, without doubt, be attended
with very interesting results. p101

PLATE XXXVI. No. 4.

This little map exhibits a section of six miles of the Newark valley,
showing the relative positions of the “Newark group” (Plate XXV); the
“Fortified Hill” near Granville (Plate IX); and the “Alligator,” just
described. But a small proportion of the mounds occurring within this range
are shown on the map.

These comprise the only works in the form of animals which have fallen
under notice. The singular mound occurring within the great circle near
Newark may perhaps deserve to occupy a place with them: that, however,
has the internal characteristics of the sacrificial mounds, while the others, so
far as our knowledge extends, cover no remains. The mound found within
the work in Scioto county, Ohio, (Plate XXIX,) and described on a
preceding page, may also rank with them. From the information which we
possess concerning the animal effigies of Wisconsin, it does not appear
probable that they were constructed for a common purpose with those of
Ohio. They occur usually in considerable numbers, in ranges, upon the level
prairies; while the few which are found in Ohio occupy elevated and

commanding positions,—“high places,” as if designed to be set apart for
sacred purposes. An “altar,” if we may so term it, is distinctly to be
observed in the oval enclosure connected with the “Great Serpent;” one is
equally distinct near the Granville work, and another in connection with the
lesser but equally interesting work near Tarlton. If we were to deduce a
conclusion from these premises, it would certainly be, that these several
effigies possessed a symbolical meaning, and were the objects of
superstitious regard.
Whether any other works of this description occur in the State or valley is
not known; it is extremely likely, however, that a systematic examination of
the whole field would result in the discovery of others equally remarkable,
and perhaps disclose a connection between them and the animal effigies of
the North-west, already alluded to. The facts that none of these singular
remains have been noticed, and that up to this time not a single intimation
of their existence has been made public, show how little attention has been
bestowed upon our antiquities, and how much remains to be accomplished
before we can fully comprehend them.

Such is the character of a large proportion of the ancient monuments of
the Mississippi valley. How far a faithful attention to their details has
tended to p102 sustain the position assigned them at the commencement of
this chapter, the intelligent reader must determine.
The great size of most of the foregoing structures precludes the idea that
they were temples in the general acceptation of the term. As has already
been intimated, they were probably, like the great circles of England, and
the squares of India, Peru, and Mexico, the sacred enclosures, within which
were erected the shrines of the gods of the ancient worship and the altars of
the ancient religion. They may have embraced consecrated groves, and also,
as they did in Mexico, the residences of the ancient priesthood. Like the
sacred structures of the country last named, some of them may have been
secondarily designed for protection in times of danger; “for,” says Gomara,
“the force and strength of every Mexican city is its temple.” However that
may be, we know that it has been a practice, common to almost every

people in every time, to enclose their temples and altars with walls of
various materials, so as to guard the sacred area around them from the
desecration of animals or the intrusion of the profane. Spots consecrated by
tradition, or rendered remarkable as the scene of some extraordinary event,
or by whatever means connected with the superstitions, or invested with the
reverence of men, have always been designated in this or some similar
manner. The South Sea Islander, as did the ancient Sclavonian, encircles his
tabooed or consecrated tree with a fence of woven branches; the pagoda of
the Hindoo is enclosed by high and massive walls, within which the scoffer
at his religion finds no admittance; the sacred square of the Caaba can only
be entered in a posture of humiliation and with unshod feet; and the
assurance that “this is holy ground” is impressed upon every one who, at
this day, approaches the temples of the true God. The block idol of the poor
Laplander has its sacred limit within which the devotee only ventures on
bended knees and with face to the earth; the oak-crowned Druid taught the
mysteries of his stern religion in temples of unhewn stones, open to the sun,
in rude but gigantic structures, which in their form symbolized the God of
his adoration; conquerors humbled themselves as they approached the
precincts which the voice of the Pythoness had consecrated; no worshipper
trod the avenues guarded by the silent, emblematic Sphynx, except with
awe and reverence; and Christ indignantly thrust from the sacred area of the
temple on Mount Zion the money-changers who had defiled it with their
presence. “Thou shalt set bounds to the people round about,—set bounds to
the mount and sanctify it,” was the injunction of Jehovah from the holy
mountain. Among the savage tribes of North America, none but the pure
dared enter the place dedicated to the rude but significant rites of their
religion. In Peru none except of the blood of the royal Incas, whose father
was the sun, were permitted to pass the walls surrounding the gorgeous
temples of their primitive worship; and the imperial Montezuma humbly
sought the pardon of his insulted gods for venturing to introduce his
unbelieving conqueror within the area consecrated by their shrines.
Analogy would therefore seem to indicate that the structures under
consideration, or at least a large portion of them, were nothing more than

sacred enclosures. If so, it may be inquired, what has become of the temples
and shrines which they p103 enclosed? It is very obvious that, unless
composed of stone or other imperishable material, they must long since
have completely disappeared, without leaving a trace of their existence. We
find nevertheless, within these enclosures, the altars upon which the ancient
people performed their sacrifices. We find also pyramidal structures, (as at
Portsmouth, Marietta, and other places,) which correspond entirely with
those of Mexico and Central America, except that, instead of being
composed of stone, they are constructed of earth, and instead of broad
flights of steps, have graded avenues and spiral pathways leading to their
summits. If these pyramidal structures sustained edifices corresponding to
those which crowned the Mexican and Central American Teocalli , they
were doubtless, in keeping with the comparative rudeness of their builders,
composed of wood; in which case, it would be in vain, at this day, to look
for any positive traces of their existence.

FOOTNOTES TO CHAPTER III.

36 “I have reason to agree with Stukely, that the circumstance of the ditch being within
the vallum is a distinguishing mark between religious and military works.”—Sir R. C. Hoare
on the Monuments of England.
37 Marked J in Map, Plate II.
38 This work is marked D in the Map, Plate II. Since this Plate was engraved, it has
been ascertained that a plan of this work was published in the “Portfolio,” in 1809. The two
plans are substantially alike, except that the one in the “Portfolio” represents the parallels as
terminating in a small circle, and as connected with the large circle,—both of which features
are erroneous. The walls of the parallels are much obliterated, where they approach the bank
of the terrace.
39 Indicated by the letters B and C, in Map, Plate II.
40 These works are marked E and F respectively, in Map, Plate II.
41 Indicated by the letter K, in Map, Plate II.
42 To put, at once, all skepticism at rest, which might otherwise arise as to the
regularity of these works, it should be stated that they were all carefully surveyed by the
authors in person. Of course, no difficulty existed in determining the perfect regularity of the
squares. The method of procedure, in respect to the circles, was as follows. Flags were raised
at regular and convenient intervals, upon the embankments, representing stations. The
compass was then placed alternately at these stations, and the bearing of the flag next beyond

ascertained. If the angles thus determined proved to be coincident, the regularity of the work
was placed beyond doubt. The supplementary plan A indicates the method of survey, the
“Field Book” of which, the circle being thirty-six hundred feet in circumference, and the
stations three hundred feet apart, is as follows:—
STATION. BEARING. DISTANCE.
1 N. 75° E. 300 feet.
2 N. 45° E. 300 feet.
3 N. 15° E. 300 feet.
4 N. 15° W. 300 feet.
5 N. 45° W. 300 feet.
6 N. 75° W. 300 feet.
7 S. 75° W. 300 feet.
8 S. 45° W. 300 feet.
9 S. 15° W. 300 feet.
10 S. 15° E. 300 feet.
11 S. 45° E. 300 feet.
12 S. 75° E. 300 feet.

43 Indicated by the letter B, in Map 1, Plate III. This and the succeeding work are
represented by Mr. Atwater in the Archæologia Americana, vol. i. p. 146; with what fidelity,
an inspection of the respective plans will show.
44 Indicated by the letter A, in Map 2, Plate III.
45 Mr. Atwater (Archæologia Americana , vol. i. p. 143) describes the small mound at
e , as composed “entirely of red ochre, which answers very well as a paint!” Its present
composition is a clayey loam. It has been examined and found to contain an altar.
46 This work is designated by the letter H on the Map, already several times referred to,
Plate II.
47 Their general character is indicated in Map, Plate II.
48 The site of the town of Frankfort was formerly that of a famous Shawnee town. The
burial place of the Indian town is shown in the plan; from it numerous relics are obtained,—
gun-barrels, copper kettles, silver crosses and brooches, and many other implements and
ornaments which, in accordance with aboriginal custom, were buried with the dead. Some of
them, from being found in close proximity to the work above described, have erroneously
been supposed to appertain to the race of the mound-builders.
49 Archæologia Americana, vol. i. p. 142.
50 This group is indicated by G in the Map, Plate II.
51 Indicated by A, in Map, Plate II.
52 The proportions of the circles, etc., are necessarily somewhat exaggerated in the
plan: their relative positions are, however, very accurately preserved.

53 There are some singular structures in Sweden, which coincide very nearly with this
remarkable little work. They are circles composed of upright stones, having short avenues of
approach upon each side, opposite each other, in the manner here represented. See Sjöborg’s
Samlingar för Nordens Fornälskare , 1822.
54 A number of plans of these works, as well as of those at Marietta, have been
published; but they are all very defective, and fail to convey an accurate conception of the
group. The map here given is from an original and very careful and minute survey made in
1836, by C HAS. W HITTLESEY, Esq., Topographical Engineer of the State of Ohio, corrected
and verified by careful re-surveys and admeasurements by the authors. It may be relied upon
as strictly correct. A large portion of the more complicated division of the group has, within
the past few years, been almost completely demolished, so that the lines can no longer be
satisfactorily traced. It is to be hoped that care may be taken to preserve the remainder from a
like fate. The principal structures will always resist the reducing action of the plough: but,
from present indications, the connecting lines and smaller works will soon be levelled to the
surface, and leave but a scanty and doubtful trace of their former symmetry.
A sectional map of the Newark valley is given in a subsequent plate, on which the relative
positions of this and other works of the vicinity are indicated with approximate accuracy.
55 “Great as some of these works are, and laborious as was their construction,
particularly those of Circleville and Newark , I am persuaded they were never intended for
military defences .”—General Harrison’s Discourse .
56 The following passages, embodying some interesting facts respecting these works,
were communicated by I. D ILLE, Esq., now and for many years a resident of Newark:
“You are aware that the principal part of these remains are situated in the valley between
the Raccoon creek and the South fork of Licking creek. The valley is here nearly two miles
wide, from stream to stream. To the east of the lines of embankment and on the second
bottom of the creek are numerous mounds. Some of these are very low,—so low, indeed, that
a careless observer would hardly distinguish them from the common surface. Some of them
are surrounded by a low circular wall of earth which, with a little attention, can be distinctly
traced. In the year 1828, when constructing the canal, a lock was located on the site of one of
these low mounds. In excavating the lock pit, fourteen human skeletons were found about
four feet beneath the surface. These were very much decayed, and supposed by some to have
been burnt. It was probably the natural appearance of decomposition which led to this
opinion. On coming to the air they all mouldered into dust. Over these skeletons, and
carefully and regularly disposed, was laid a large quantity of mica in sheets or plates. Some
of these were eight and ten inches long by four and five wide, and all from half an inch to an
inch thick. It was estimated that fifteen or twenty bushels of this material were thrown out to
form the walls or supports of the lock. From a mound some four feet high, a few rods to the
south of this, a large volvaria (sea-shell) was taken.
“On the opposite side of the creek I found, in one place, twenty-four flint axes, or
imperfect arrow-heads. These were found on the third bottom, on a promontory projecting
towards the works in question. A very great quantity of broken flints were found here—
enough to load a cart. They were of the same variety of flint, chert, or hornstone, which
abounds on ‘Flint Ridge.’ On that ridge there is the appearance of a great deal of digging.
Deep holes cover the ground for the extent of a mile. Many have supposed that these were
mines of the precious metals, and no small amount of money and time has been expended in

the search. I am of the opinion this place is the source of all the arrow-heads, flint axes, and
other implements of that material, which have been used over a wide extent of territory.
“Separate from these valley works, and two miles to the west of them, is an irregular
enclosure on a hill. The walls are of earth about three feet high, and enclose an area of some
thirty or forty acres, extending from the top to the very foot of a high, long, and sloping hill.
Again, two miles distant in a north-west direction, the summit of a high hill is surrounded by
a similar embankment.”
57 The map here presented is drawn from a careful survey of these works, made in
1837, by C HARLES W HITTLESEY, Esq., Topographical Engineer of the State, under the law
authorizing a Geological and Topographical Survey of Ohio. It has never before been
published; and its fidelity, in every respect, may be relied on. It will be seen that the
supplementary or “small covert way” represented on the plan in the Archæologia Americana,
does not appear. What was taken for a graded way is simply a gully, worn by the rains. The
topography of the map, and the accompanying sections, are features which every intelligent
inquirer will know how to appreciate.
58 The description of the two principal truncated pyramids embodies the substance of
an account of the same, published by Dr. S. P. H ILDRETH of Marietta, in the “American
Pioneer” for June, 1843,—the entire fidelity of which has been attested by actual survey.
59 Such is the result of careful admeasurements made by Dr. J OHN L OCKE, whose
accuracy in matters of this kind, as in all others, is worthy of emulation.
60 A very laudable disposition has been manifested, on the part of the citizens of
Marietta, to preserve the interesting remains in their midst. The Directors of the Ohio Land
Company, when they took possession of the country at the mouth of the Muskingum, in 1788,
adopted immediate measures for the preservation of these monuments. To their credit be it
said, one of their earliest official acts was the passage of a resolution, which is entered upon
the journal of their proceedings, reserving the two truncated pyramids and the great mound,
with a few acres attached to each, as public squares. They placed them under the care of the
future corporation of Marietta, directing that they should be embellished with shade trees,
when divested of the forest which then covered them, which trees, it was added, should be of
native growth, and of the varieties named in the resolution. The great mound with its
surrounding square was designated as a cemetery, and placed under the control of trustees.
Ten years ago, these structures being yet unenclosed and much injured by the rains washing
through the paths caused by the cattle that roamed over them, the citizens raised a sum of
money adequate to the purpose, and fully restored them. The magnificent avenue named, not
inappropriately, by the Directors, “Sacra Via ,” or Sacred Way, but now generally known as
the “Covered Way,” was also preserved by a special resolution of the Company, “never to be
disturbed or defaced, as common ground, not to be enclosed.” One of the streets of Marietta,
Warren street, passes through this avenue. It is, of course, impossible to resist encroachments
upon the walls of the enclosures, which are rapidly disappearing.
Had a similar enlightened policy marked the proceedings of all the early companies and
settlers of the West, we should not now have occasion to regret the entire obliteration of many
interesting remains of antiquity. Or did a similar disposition exist generally, there would be
less necessity for a careful, systematic, and immediate survey of our remaining monuments.
The works at Chillicothe, Circleville, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, might have been preserved
with all ease: and would have constituted striking ornaments to those cities, to say nothing of
the interest which would attach to them in other points of view. It is proper to observe, that

the facts embraced in this note were kindly communicated by Dr. S. P. H ILDRETH, of
Marietta.
61 The account of an English adventurer named Ashe , respecting some extraordinary
remains which he professed to have discovered here, it is hardly necessary to say, is entitled
to no credit whatever. The remark holds good of similar accounts, by the same hand, of some
of the works at Newark, one hundred miles above, on the upper tributaries of the Muskingum.
62 From the Survey and Notes of J AMES M C B RIDE, Esq.
63 From the Survey and Notes of C HARLES W HITTLESEY, Esq.
64 From the Plan and Notes of C HARLES W HITTLESEY, Esq.
65 From the Survey and Notes of J AMES M C B RIDE Esq.
66 From the Survey and Notes of J AMES M C B RIDE Esq.
67 “It consists of a ditch dug down to the edge of the river, the earth from which has
been thrown up principally upon the lower or down river side. The breadth between the
parapets is much greater near the water than at any other point, so that it might have been
used for the purpose of affording a safe passage to the river or as a sort of harbor in which
canoes may have been drawn up or both. This water way resembles that found at Marietta
though smaller.”—Long’s Second Expedition , vol. i. p. 60.
68 The reader is requested to compare the plan of this work given by Mr. A TWATER in
the Archæologia Americana, with the one here presented.
69 Previous to the entire destruction of this mound, and at the time when about one half
of it remained, it was examined by Mr. McBride, from whose original notes the following
observations respecting it are taken:
“The mound was composed of rich surface mould, evidently scooped up from the surface;
scattered through which were pebbles and some stones of considerable size, all of which had
been burned. Upon excavation, we found a skeleton with its head to the east, resting upon the
original surface of the ground, immediately under the apex of the mound. Some distance
above this was a layer of ashes of considerable extent, and about four inches thick. The
skeleton was of ordinary size; the skull was crushed, and all the bones in extreme decay. Near
the surface were other skeletons. The inhabitants of the neighborhood tell of a copper band
with strange devices, found around the brow of a skeleton in this mound; and also of a well
carved representation of a tortoise of the same metal, twelve or fourteen inches in length,
found with another skeleton.”
70 From the Rafinesque MSS.
71 From the Survey of J AMES M C B RIDE .
72 The proprietor of this structure, A SHEL A YLESWORTH, Esq., we are happy to say,
has determined to permit no further encroachment upon it. It is to be hoped that the citizens of
Granville will adopt means to permanently and effectually secure it from invasion.
73 This work should have been figured on a preceding plate. Its position, in connection
with the effigies here described, was determined by accidental circumstances.

p104

C H A P T E R I V.

MONUMENTS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES.

We are in possession of very little authentic information respecting the
monuments of the Southern United States.74 All accounts concur in
representing them as very numerous and extensive, and as characterized by
a regularity unknown, or known but to a limited degree, amongst those
which occur further north, on the Ohio and its tributaries, and upon the
Missouri and Upper Mississippi. This extraordinary regularity, as well as
their usually great dimensions, have induced many to regard them as the
work not only of a different era, but of a different people. Mounds of
several stages, closely resembling the Mexican Teocalli in form and size;
broad terraces of various heights; elevated passages and long avenues, are
mentioned among the varieties of ancient structures which abound from
Florida to Texas. The mounds are often disposed with the utmost system in
respect to each other. Around some of the larger ones, others of smaller size
are placed at regular intervals, and at fixed distances. Some have spiral
pathways leading to their tops, and others possess graded ascents like those
at Marietta.75
It is to be observed, however, that while mounds are thus abundant,
enclosures are comparatively few, especially those which seem to be of a
military origin. A few have been noticed in South Carolina, on the Wateree
river, which partake of the character of military works, and of which some
account will shortly be given.
The following plans from original and hitherto unpublished surveys will
serve to illustrate, to a limited degree, the character of a portion of the
Southern remains. p105

XXXVII. Ancient Works on the Wateree River, Kershaw District, South ♠
Carolina.

PLATE XXXVII.
REMAINS ON THE WATEREE RIVER, KERSHAW DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA.

It is unquestionable that the race of the mounds occupied a portion of the
State of South Carolina; and although the traces of their occupation are far
from abundant, they are still sufficiently numerous to deserve notice. The
only reliable information we have concerning them, is contained in a MS.
letter from W ILLIAM B LANDING, M. D., late of Camden, South Carolina, a
gentleman distinguished for his researches in natural history, to S AMUEL
G EORGE M ORTON, M. D., of Philadelphia, the eminent author of “Crania
Americana ,” by whose permission it is embodied in this connection. The
observations of Dr. Blanding were confined to a section of the valley of the

Wateree river, embracing about twenty-five miles in the immediate vicinity
of Camden, and mainly included in the Kershaw district.
“The first monument deserving of notice is ‘Harrison’s Mound’ (A in the
Map). It is the highest in position of any on the river, and is situated on the
west side of the same, in the Fairfield district. It is about four hundred and
eighty feet in circumference at the base, fifteen feet high, and has a level
area one hundred and twenty feet in circumference at its summit.
“The next relic of antiquity is the ‘Indian Mortar,’ (B in the Map,) in the
Kershaw district. It is a regular bowl-shaped excavation in a solid block of
granite, holding upwards of half a bushel, and is evidently the work of art.
It p106 was used as a mortar by the early settlers, and is still devoted to the
same purpose. The part of the rock projecting out of the ground is
equivalent to eight or ten tons.
“Next is an old Indian town or camp near the mouth of Beaver creek (C
in the Map). A little below the mouth of the creek is an old fortification, of
oblong form, consisting of a wall and ditch (D in the Map). The
embankment is now not more than three feet high above the level of the
plain. The ditch is distinct. Nearly opposite this work, on the west side of
the river, are the traces of an old Indian village, remarkable for its arrow-
heads, fragments of pottery, etc.
“Proceeding down the river, we come to a point near the head of the
canal, where the land rises to the extraordinary height of five hundred feet,
forming a long, narrow hill. Upon the point of this hill nearest the river,
stands what is called the ‘Indian Grave’ (F in the Map). It is composed of
many tons of small round stones, weighing from one to four pounds each.
The pile is thirty feet long from east to west, twelve feet broad, and five
feet high, so situated as to command an extensive view of the adjacent
country, stretching as far as Rocky Mount, twenty miles above, and for a
long distance below on the river. It may be suggested that this is the
elevated burial-place of some great chief, or that it was designed as some
sort of an observatory. The Catawba Indians can give no account of it, nor
will they venture a conjecture as to its purposes. A mound, G, is situated
opposite this stone heap, on the other side of the river. The ‘shoals’ in the
immediate vicinity seem to have been a favorite haunt of the ancient and
more recent races. Here to this day is to be found an abundance of fish and

game, and the vicinity is marked by numerous aboriginal relics. Here also
is the highest boundary of the long-leaved pine, and the limit of the alluvial
region. Below, the river becomes sluggish, and during high water leaves its
banks and spreads over large tracts of land.
“The mound next below, H, was two hundred and fifty feet in
circumference at the base, seventy-five feet at the top, and thirteen feet
high. It was situated about a hundred yards from the river on lands subject
to overflow. Three other small mounds surrounded it. In 1826 it was
levelled, and the material used for manuring the adjacent lands. A part of
the treasures which it contained were saved, but the rest are scattered or
destroyed. The mound presented, upon excavation, a succession of strata,
varying in thickness from six inches to one foot, from top to base. First
vegetable loam, then human and animal bones, followed by charcoal of
reeds, vessels of clay and fragments of the same, (some holding not more
than one pint,) arrow-heads and stone axes, then earth, etc., alternately. In
one small vessel was found a tag or needle made of bone, supposed to
have been used in making dresses. Near it was found the skeleton of a
female, tolerably entire, but which fell in pieces on exposure. A stratum of
dark-colored mould was mixed with these articles; perhaps decomposed
animal matter. The superstructure of the mound was the alluvial loam, and
constituted tolerable manure. It was mixed with great quantities of mica,
some pieces three or four inches square. Marine shells, much decomposed,
were found in this as in other mounds, mixed with the bones, from top to
bottom.
“Descending the river, near Mound creek, we come to a large mound, I,
enclosed p107 in a circle, and accompanied by a smaller one. It is perhaps
the largest and most perfect on the river. It is five hundred feet in
circumference at the base, two hundred and twenty-five feet in
circumference at the summit, and thirty-four feet high,—slightly oblong. It
is covered with stumps, briars, etc., having recently been brought under
cultivation. In April last, while ploughing over the small mound, an urn
was discovered, a sketch of which is enclosed. It holds forty-six quarts, or
nearly twelve gallons. It had a cover fitting closely over the body for about
six inches; this was broken by the plough. The vessel was curiously
ornamented, and is probably the largest ever discovered in the valley. It
contained a number of large shell beads, much decomposed, about the size

and shape of nutmegs. It also contained another article of the same
material, about the size of a man’s palm, a quarter of an inch thick, and
carved in open work; probably designed for suspension around the neck as
a badge or ornament. The ditch around this mound is slight.
“Still further down the river, upon the opposite side, and some distance
south of the road from Camden to Columbia, is the most remarkable
ancient work in the valley (O). It is called the ‘Indian Ditch.’ It occurs at
the great bend of the river, and consists of an embankment and ditch
carried across the isthmus, cutting off, and, with the river, enclosing some
hundreds of acres of fine alluvial land. It is about one mile in length , and
the circuit of the river from one end to the other is between three and four
miles. Twenty-one years ago, when I first visited it, this ditch was about
eight feet deep and the wall of corresponding dimensions: a primitive forest
was then growing upon its southern portion, but it is now all under the
plough and fast disappearing. The bank is exterior to the ditch, which
circumstance seems to conflict with the notion that the work was
constructed for defence. It has been suggested, but with no good reason,
that it was designed for a ‘cut off ’ or artificial channel for the river.
Whatever its purpose, it was a great undertaking for a rude or savage
people.
“On the opposite side of the river, about two hundred yards below the
mouth of Pine-tree creek, is a group of mounds, surrounded by a low
embankment (J). One of them has been nearly washed away by the river,
and the others have been much reduced by cultivation. The largest is yet
twelve or fifteen feet high, with a very wide base. From these mounds are
disclosed arrow-heads, axes, urns, and other vestiges of art, accompanied
by human bones and the bones of wild animals, and marine shells, all much
decayed. As the water washes away the side of the mound on its bank,
charcoal, urns, bones, etc., in successive strata, are exposed; as though it
had constituted a cemetery, receiving deposits from time to time, from its
commencement to its completion. The strata vary in thickness from six to
eighteen inches, and are mixed with much mica, sometimes in large plates.
It was long under cultivation in corn, then indigo, and in 1806, when I first
saw it, in cotton, which is still cultivated on it. On the large mound stood
the overseer’s house; around it, on the smaller piles, were the negro
quarters.

“In the bend of the river nearly opposite the south end of the ‘Indian
Ditch,’ is a mound, perhaps fifteen feet high (K). Little is known respecting
it, having been for many years the site of an overseer’s house. I obtained a
circular stone, p108 with concave sides and finely polished, which had been
found here, also two large urns, one holding twelve, the other twenty
quarts, with a number of other aboriginal relics. At the mouth of Town
creek, some distance below, there was formerly, no doubt, an Indian town
or camp, (L,) judging from the quantity of relics found here. A very fine
description of clay is found at this spot, which is resorted to by the
Catawba Indians every spring and autumn, for the purpose of
manufacturing pottery from it.
“Boykin’s mound (M) is one mile lower down the river upon the same
bank. It is now nearly washed away by the river. Twenty years ago, when I
first saw it, large trees covered it, and it was entire. Four years afterwards I
visited it, when only about one third remained, which on the side next the
river beautifully exhibited the various strata composing it. It had the usual
layers of earth, pottery, charred reeds, etc. Some few of the vases were
entire, containing fragments of bones, and were well arranged in tiers, one
above the other.
“Last of the series is Nixon’s mound (N). It is much reduced, and is not
now more than ten feet high. From this to the sea I know of no similar
relics. Paint hill and Kirkwood, in the neighborhood of Pine-tree creek,
must have been much frequented, judging from the numerous relics
occurring on and around them; the former for its pure water, the latter for
its fine clay. Hobkirk’s hill, near Camden, abounds in aboriginal relics. I
have procured several large pipes from these localities, all of which exhibit
a skill in workmanship surpassing that of the present race. The entire
section in which the above remains occur is exceedingly fertile, and
capable of sustaining a large agricultural population.”

PLATE XXXVIII. No. 1. 76
ANCIENT WORKS ON THE ETOWAH RIVER, ALABAMA.

This work occurs within the present limits of the State of Alabama, upon
the banks of Etowah river, a branch of the Coosa. It is situated upon an

alluvial “bottom,” at an angle or bend of the stream; and its defences
consist of a semi-circular ditch, the flanks of which rest on the river. This
ditch is twenty-five p109 or thirty feet in width, by eight feet in depth; and
is interrupted by no less than seven passage-ways, placed at irregular
intervals, and formed by leaving the earth unexcavated at the points where
they occur. It is a remarkable fact that no embankment accompanies the
ditch; although the work is not entirely singular in that respect. Within the
enclosure thus formed by the river on the one hand and the ditch on the
other, are several mounds, one of which is of great size and extraordinary
character. It measures upwards of seventy-five feet in height, and is twelve
hundred feet in circumference at its base. It is truncated, the area at its
summit having a diameter of one hundred and forty feet. A graded avenue,
which may be ascended on horseback, leads to its top from the east. Upon
its northern and southern sides, at the height of forty feet, are triangular
platforms or terraces, which are also reached by graded ascents from the
plain. The supplementary plan A exhibits the outlines of the monument.
Upon its top, trees are growing, which, at the height of a man’s head from
the ground, measure little under eleven feet in circumference. A fallen oak
measured by Mr. Cornelius in 1818 was found to be, at the distance of six
feet from the branching of the roots, twelve feet four inches in
circumference , exclusive of the bark. There are two other truncated
mounds, to the south-west of the great mound, but of less dimensions. One
of these has a perpendicular altitude of thirty feet; and its summit was
fortified, with a parapet and palisades, by the Cherokees in their war with
the Creeks. The earth taken from the ditch above mentioned was probably
used in the construction of these mounds.

XXXVIII. Ancient Works: ♠
No. 1. On the Etowah River, Alabama.
No. 2. Chickasaw Surveys, Lafayette Co. Mississippi.
No. 3. On Clear Creek in Lafayette Co. Mississippi.
No. 4. Prairie Jefferson, Moorhouse Parish, Louisiana.

An analogous work of some interest, (Fig. 21,) but partially destroyed
by the Tennessee river, upon the bank of which it stands, occurs near the
town of Florence, in Alabama. “It consists of a large mound, hexagonal in
form, truncated, and forty-five feet in height by four hundred and forty feet
in circumference at the base. The level area at the summit is one hundred
and fifty feet in circumference. It appears to be composed of the ordinary
surface loam, and is carried up with great regularity. So far as it has yet
been examined, no traces of bones or other foreign substances have been
discovered.

“Partly surrounding the
mound is a wall two hundred
and seventy feet distant from
its base, which extends from
the main river below, to a
branch formed by Cane island
above, constituting a segment
of a circle, the centre of which
would be in the Tennessee
river. The wall is about forty
feet across the top, and,
making allowances for the
Fig. 21. ravages of time, must have
been originally from twelve to
fifteen feet high; it is now about eight feet in height. The mound and wall
bear the same marks of antiquity, both being covered with large timber of
the same age and description with that found growing on the surrounding
lands. The wall has what appears to be a ditch on the outside. p110
“These works are situated on the river bottom, and are half surrounded
by a very high ridge, which runs parallel to the Tennessee river, about four
hundred yards distant. This ridge, upon which the principal part of the
town of Florence is situated, overlooks and entirely commands the whole.
The mound, with its surrounding wall, thus situated and exposed to attack,
could hardly have been designed as a place of defence. It must have been
appropriated to another purpose.”77

PLATE XXXVIII. Nos. 2 and 3.

These works are specially interesting from the fact that they partake
more of the character of the works in the valley of the Ohio, than any other
southern structures with which we are acquainted. The accompanying
descriptions were furnished by Rev. R. M ORRIS, of Mount Sylvan

Academy, Lafayette county, Mississippi; the plans are from surveys by the
same gentleman.
N UMBER 2.—“This work is situated in T. 4 S., R. 7 W., of the
Chickasaw surveys, five miles south-east of the Tallahatchie river. It
occupies a point of high land, overlooking the valley of a small creek, and
consists of a simple embankment of earth, about three feet in height, with
an exterior ditch of corresponding dimensions. It is a polygon in form, and
at first glance appears entirely irregular. It will be observed, however, that
the line c d corresponds in length with h i , and also that e f is exactly
equal to f h ,—coincidences which could not possibly be accidental. The
side c s j , fronting on the creek, is not entrenched, being sufficiently
protected by the high bluff bank. There are no interruptions in the
embankment, the ends of which terminate within a short distance of the
bluff on the right, leaving passage-ways fifteen or twenty feet wide. A
ditch, however, extends from i to j , at the south-east angle; but it is a
question whether it was not formed by the water overflowing the artificial
ditch at i . The angles of this work are not rounded, but sharp as if newly
dug. There are two points, (indicated by the letter s on the plan,) one on a
spur of land within the enclosure, and the other at the extreme point of the
headland on which the work is situated, where there are excavations from
which the earth is thrown up on the outer side. They resemble short
sections of the wall and ditch, and suggest the notion of sentry posts, or
signal or alarm stations.
“Within the work are several low, irregular mounds, all of which are flat
on the top, except k , which is basin-shaped, the concavity being about two
feet deep by fifteen across. Excavations, at any point around these mounds,
disclose ashes, p111 charcoal, and sooty earth; the charcoal is of oak-wood
and very bright. Abundant fragments of the black pottery, glazed inside,
and so common in this region, are found in and around this work. At the
time of my visit, I found several arrow-heads and a wedge-shaped stone. A
few years ago a carved pipe was found here and a piece of heavy metal,
which was tested for gold and afterwards mislaid. Inasmuch, however, as

the Indians lately occupied this ground in great numbers for several years,
these minor relics may be regarded as having pertained to them.
“The bluffs around this work are of extraordinary height for this region,
and the whole position seems well designed for defence. The regularity
and apparent freshness of the structure, and its correspondence, in some
striking respects, to our modern system of defence, almost induce me to
ascribe to it an European origin. This supposition is further favored by the
well known fact that Hernando de Soto passed through here, and probably
erected works at various points.”
N UMBER 3.—“This work is situated on the left bank of Clear creek, near
Mount Sylvan, Lafayette county, Mississippi. It occupies a high point of
land, overlooking the creek bottom; upon the right is a bluff bank, forty
feet high; towards the north the ground is somewhat broken, and upon the
left it slopes gradually to a hollow. There are no hills or elevated points
commanding the work within a mile or more. The ground within the
enclosure is level.
“The structure itself is quadrangular in form, and consists of a slight
embankment of earth, about three feet high by thirty feet broad at the base,
and twelve feet broad on the top. It has no ditch, exterior or interior to the
embankment, although upon both sides there are evidences of the removal
of the earth, leaving slight depressions, as shown in the section. At the
gateway G, the original level of the ground is preserved. Various forest-
trees are growing upon the walls, consisting of black oak and hickory,—
some of the oaks are upwards of eighteen inches in diameter. At the foot of
the bluffs, to the right of the work, are numerous and copious springs of
water.
“There are no mounds within the enclosure; although there are two a
little way outside of the walls, occupying the positions indicated in the
plan.78 The one nearest the gateway, number 1, has trees growing upon it,
twenty inches in diameter. Fragments of pottery are scattered in abundance
upon and around it. Mound number 2 I have carefully examined. It is
situated upon sloping ground, and is perhaps one foot high on the upper,

and three feet on the lower side, by twenty feet base. In the centre is a
regular concavity one foot deep and twelve feet across; and in this respect
it is different from any I have elsewhere observed. The first excavation
was made upon the lower side, where were found several p112 arrows, a
human skeleton, (a mature subject,) and a large quantity, nearly a half
bushel, of coarse pottery. It is of the same kind with that so abundant in the
Clear creek valley, where it would be easy to fill a cart in a day. None of
the vessels were whole; and I may here remark that I have not been able to
recover any of the pottery entire,—all, not excepting the clay pipes, are
invariably broken. Among the fragments of pottery was found a piece of
hard-burned clay, resembling in form a sweet potato, split longitudinally.
The next excavation was made in the centre or lowest part of the concavity
above mentioned. The removal of the vegetable accumulation disclosed a
layer of yellow clay, four inches thick; beneath which, and nearly upon the
original level of the earth, was found a hard-burned stratum, perfectly
black, and apparently mingled with ashes. It was with difficulty broken up.
Beneath this hearth was a spongy unstratified mass, in which, to the depth
of six inches, were mingled fragments of earthenware. Beyond this,
nothing was discovered. There were no traces of bones upon the hearth,
and but few fragments of pottery. Large trees are growing upon this
mound.
“Mound number 3 is about four feet high, and is situated upon the creek
bottom, not far from the stream. I opened it nearly a year since. About two
feet from the surface was found the skeleton of a child, much decayed, and
unaccompanied by remains of any sort. A little below the surface was
found a stone tool, resembling a carver’s flesh knife, and a leaden ounce
bullet. There is much pottery upon and around this mound; but little, if any,
within it. It was not thoroughly excavated; but so far as examined there
were discovered no traces of fire,—it being, in this respect, peculiar. Every
other mound which I have investigated has been found to contain ashes
and charcoal.”
Whether either of the works above described had a military origin is
sufficiently doubtful; although the last named has some of the

characteristics of a work of defence. There is nothing, however, in its
position or structure so different from hundreds of other works as to
warrant us in assigning to it a later date or a different origin. As a military
work, it is vastly inferior to many with which we are acquainted, and its
regularity is not sufficiently marked to entitle it to any special
consideration on that account. It clearly belongs to that great family of
remains, of which so many examples have already been presented.
Throughout the entire field of their occurrence, these maintain certain
characteristic features, some of which are well exhibited in the particular
work here mentioned.
Had Hernando de Soto erected one tenth of the works which have been
ascribed to him, in the States bordering the Gulf, in Tennessee, and even in
Kentucky, he must have found ample demands on his time and exertions. It
is most likely, however, that the intervals between his tedious and toilsome
marches were occupied more profitably, if not less laboriously, than in the
erection of vast earth structures of this description; which, when finished,
could not possibly have served him any useful purpose. His handful of
weary followers probably found in a small stockade of logs a better
defence, and one more obviously within their capabilities of construction.
In addition to the above plans, Mr. Morris has kindly communicated
accounts of several other interesting works; of none of which, however, he
was able to p113 make surveys. One of these is situated three miles east of
Panola, Mississippi, and closely resembles No. 3, Plate XXXVIII. It is
accompanied by several remarkable mounds. A few miles south-east of
Delta there is a square enclosure of some twenty acres area. It contains
several mounds, one of which is forty feet in height, truncated, and
ascended by a graded way. Within this enclosure there is also a square
excavation, fifteen feet deep, and one hundred feet in diameter. It is
surrounded by a low embankment of earth, three feet in height.

PLATE XXXVIII. No. 4.
ANCIENT WORKS, PRAIRIE JEFFERSON, LOUISIANA.

This group of ancient works occurs on Prairie Jefferson, Moorhouse
parish, Louisiana. They are minutely described by Prof. C. G. F ORSHEY, in
a letter to Prof. Silliman of New Haven, published, with the accompanying
plan, in the American Journal of Science and Arts, vol. xlix. p. 38. For some
interesting facts in addition to this account, acknowledgment is due to Dr.
H ARRISON, proprietor of the plantation upon which these remains are
situated.
The works, consisting of a series of mounds and terraces, accompanied
by lines of embankment and by excavations, are found near the south-
western portion of the prairie, and partly in what is now woodland, though
probably at no very remote date free from forests. The mounds are disposed
with some degree of regularity in respect to each other, and are of the
following dimensions:

length, width, height,
feet feet feet
A. base, 180 135 48
A. summit, 51 45
B. summit, 210 75 5
C. base, 132 132 4
D. summit, 120 120 4
E. summit, 60 42 10
on length, length, length, length,
summit, feet front feet rear feet wide feet high
F. 60 78 42 12
G. 60 39 51 12
H. 60 60 54 7
I. 36 27 45 10
The embankment between E and F is one hundred and thirty-five feet
long, fifteen feet broad at the base, and four high. The embankment j k l is

ten hundred and fifty feet long, twelve feet broad and from one to three feet
high.
The great mound E has been denominated “the Temple.” It has a level
area on its summit fifty-one feet long and forty-five broad, which is reached
from the west by the winding graded path X. All its angles are much
rounded; still its four faces are very plainly marked. Since it has been
cleared of trees, several p114 slides have marred its symmetry. These slides,
as also excavations made in it, have shown that it consists of a series of
strata or tables, one above the other, each surmounted by a burned surface,
resembling rude bricks. No bones have been found in it. Any extended
examination of its contents is avoided, from a desire to preserve its
proportions. From the summit a good view may be had of the surrounding
works and country.
The mounds which face the “Temple” on the west have great uniformity
of figure and dimensions, and are highest in the rear, except E and I, which
are nearly level on top. E, F, H, and I, have terraces in front; and all incline
gently to the plain, which exhibits marks of excavation. In the rear and on
the sides they are for the most part very abrupt. The pond in the rear is
evidently artificial, and formed by removing the earth for building
purposes. Extending around this pond are an embankment and ditch, (j k l ,)
the latter produced by the excavation of the earth for the embankment,
which seems to have constituted a sort of levée around the pond to the high
grounds at j and l .
“The mounds C, D have great similarity in their magnitude, form, and
general position in respect to the “Temple;” but situated, as they are, in
cultivated fields, their definite outlines are fast disappearing. B, however,
differs essentially from the other mounds of the system; it is perfectly level
on its summit, of gentle declivity and moderate height, and has been fitly
chosen as the site of a dwelling-house, which fronts the area surrounded by
the mounds.
“The several ponds have outlets for the water at particular points, which
were probably controlled as the mound-builders desired. The long
embankment (m n o ) is abruptly cut off at o , but is continued again towards

p , diminishing in magnitude as the land grows higher, until it almost
disappears at s . The swale or low strip of ground which borders this
embankment on the left, continues up to very near the pond at s , but has no
actual connection with it. It does not appear that the large pond, within this
grand levée, is artificial. The smaller ones, however, were manifestly
produced by throwing up the earth around them, as at m n ; s ; t u , and v w .
“The necessity for these artificial ponds is apparent from the fact, that
there are no streams or supplies of water nearer this prairie than five miles.
Hence the excavations, usually made without apparent design in
constructing the mounds, are at this place so economized as to produce the
ponds in the immediate neighborhood. Here the conformation of the
ground, which is gently undulating, rendered it easy to construct large
ponds or lakes, to contain a perennial supply of water. This has plainly been
the object of the extensive levées or embankments traced in the map. The
general inclination of the land is southward, and the drains in its surface
were with some skill called into aid.”
A similar mode of retaining a supply of water has already been remarked,
in the case of a fortified hill, in Ohio. (See page 15.) The ancient inhabitants
of Central America resorted to the same method. Their aguadas , lined with
pavements and enclosed by embankments, are among the most interesting
remains of ancient art. p115

PLATE XXXIX.
ANCIENT MONUMENTS, MADISON PARISH, LOUISIANA.

The accompanying plans are from original surveys made by J AMES
H OUGH, Esq., of Hamilton, Ohio, for Mr. M C B RIDE, and may, it is
believed, be relied upon as entirely accurate, in every essential respect.79

XXXIX. Ancient Monuments, Madison Parish, Louisiana. ♠

The group here presented is situated upon the right bank of Walnut
Bayou, in Madison Parish, Louisiana, seven miles from the Mississippi
river. It consists of seven large and regular mounds, and a graded or
elevated road-way half a mile in length. The plan exhibits the relative
positions of the remains and their predominating features, and obviates the
necessity of a particular description, which at best would be intricate and
obscure.
The largest mound of the group, A, is distant two hundred and fifty
yards south from the bayou , which here extends in a direction nearly east
and west. The principal structure is two hundred and twenty-five feet long,
by one hundred and sixty-five feet broad at the base, and thirty feet in
height. The summit is level, presenting an area of one hundred and twenty
feet long, by seventy-five broad. On the side next the bayou towards the
north, at the height of ten feet, is a terrace ten feet wide and extending the

entire length of the mound. On the south side is a road-way twenty feet
wide, commencing at a point sixty feet from the base of the mound, and
leading with a regular grade to its top. At either end of the mound is an
inclined platform or apron , seventy-five feet long by sixty wide. These are
six feet in elevation at the point joining the mound, but decline gradually
to three feet at the outer ends, where they terminate abruptly.
B is a mound similar to the one just described, but less in size. It is one
hundred and eighty feet long, one hundred and twenty broad, and fifteen
high. The level area on the top is one hundred and twenty feet long and
sixty wide. A graded road leads to its summit from the north. At the east
end is an inclined platform, seventy feet long by sixty broad, eight feet
high where it joins the mound, and sloping to five feet at its outer
extremity. At the west end is a similar elevation one hundred and twenty
feet long by sixty broad.
C is a singular work, consisting of a central mound ninety-six feet
square at the base, and ten feet high, with a level area forty-eight feet
square on the top. Connected by elevated terraces with this mound, are two
others of similar construction, p116 each sixty feet square and eight feet
high. The terraces are forty feet broad, four high, and one hundred and
twenty-five and seventy-five feet long respectively.
The character and dimensions of the remaining mounds are sufficiently
indicated in the plan. There is however another singular structure
connected with the group, which deserves special notice. It consists of a
terrace extending due west from the principal mound above described,
parallel to the bayou . It is elevated three feet above the general level of the
plain, and is seventy-five feet wide by two thousand seven hundred feet in
length. Upon either side of this terrace, and parallel to it, are broad
excavations, at present about three feet deep. These excavations are not far
from two thousand feet long, by from one hundred and fifty to three
hundred feet wide. There are no other perceptible excavations in the
vicinity; and it is reasonable to conclude that most, if not all of the material
for the construction of the works was taken from these points.

The ground occupied by these remains is for the most part under
cultivation. It was originally covered with a heavy growth of the black
walnut, a species of timber scarcely known on the alluvial lands of the
Mississippi, so far south. It was first cleared by a Mr. Harper, in 1827.
Broken pottery is found in abundance around these monuments; and
fragments of human bones, much decomposed, are observed intermixed
with the earth. Upon the mounds, in many places, the earth is much
burned. There are no other remains of magnitude in the immediate vicinity.
The works here re­pre­sent­ed,
Fig. 22, are sit­uated in Bol­ivar
county, Mis­sis­sip­pi, near
Williams’s bayou in the Choc­‐
taw bend, one mile and a half
from the Mis­sis­sip­pi river.
They consist of two trun­cated
pyra­mi­dal struc­tures of the
char­ac­ter al­ready des­cribed,
accom­pan­ied by two small
con­ical mounds, the whole sur­‐
rounded by a circ­ular em­bank­‐
ment of earth, without a ditch,
two thou­sand three hun­dred
Fig. 22.
feet in cir­cum­fer­ence, and four
feet high. A gate­way opens into
the en­clos­ure from the east. Mound A is one hundred and fifty feet square
at the base, seventy-five feet square on top, and twenty feet high, with a
graded ascent from the east. B is one hundred and thirty-five feet square at
base, fifty feet at top, and fifteen feet high. The ascent in this instance is
from the north. The two small conical mounds are about thirty feet in
diameter, and five feet high. The sides of the pyramidal structures do not
vary two degrees from the cardinal points p117 of the compass; a feature
not observed in any of the others above noticed. They all, however, appear

to have been placed with some reference to these points,—probably as
near as they could be located without instruments.
At the junction of the Washita, Tenza, and Catahoola rivers in Louisiana,
is a most remarkable group of ancient remains, of which no plan has yet
been published. They have nevertheless been often referred to, and are
described as consisting of a number of mounds, some rectangular and
others round, embraced within a large enclosure of not far from two
hundred acres area.80 The principal mound is said to be circular, four
hundred feet in diameter at the base, ninety feet in height, truncated, and
having a level area at its summit, fifty feet in diameter. The summit is
reached by a spiral pathway, which winds with an easy ascent around the
mound, from its base to its top. This pathway is sufficiently broad to
permit two horsemen to ride abreast. From the summit a wide prospect is
commanded. Here, upon penetrating the earth to a slight depth, strong
traces of fire are visible. The ground upon which the mound stands is
somewhat elevated above the surrounding plain, which is low and
marshy.81
The great mound at Seltzertown, near Washington, Mississippi, is one of
very singular construction. It consists of a truncated pyramid six hundred
feet long by about four hundred broad at its base, covering nearly six acres
of ground. Its sides correspond very nearly with the four cardinal points,
its greatest length being from east to west. It is forty feet in perpendicular
height; and is surrounded p118 by a ditch at its base, of variable
dimensions, but averaging perhaps ten feet in depth. It is ascended by
graded avenues. The area on the top embraces about four acres. Near each
of the ends, and as nearly as may be in the longitudinal centre of the
elevation, is placed a large conical mound. The one towards the west is
represented to be not far from forty feet in height, and truncated, with a
level area at its summit of thirty feet diameter. The opposite mound is
somewhat less in size, and is also truncated. Eight other mounds are
regularly placed at various points; they are of comparatively small size,
measuring from eight to ten feet in height. The ground here is considerably
broken; and it has been supposed by some, from the fact that it slopes in

every direction from the base of the monument, that the structure is simply
a natural elevation modified and fashioned into its present form by the
hands of man.82 Human bones have been exposed by the washing away of
the sides of this structure.
The above examples, it is believed, may be taken as very fair
illustrations of the general form and external characteristics of the
Southern monuments. There are no perfect pyramids. With the exception
of a portion, probably the larger portion, of the conical mounds, which are
abundant, but overshadowed by the more remarkable structures which
surround them, all appear to be truncated, and to have, in most instances,
graded ascents to their tops. As already remarked, they do not seem to have
been connected with any military system,—their form and structure, so far
as developed, pointing to a religious origin. Some have been noticed as
having parapets raised on their summits, as if to protect the area in case of
assault; and hence it has been concluded that the larger elevations were
“forts” or citadels. This feature was observed in many of the Teocalli of the
Mexicans. It is possible that they may have been designed secondarily for
defence. That the Mexicans fought with the greatest determination around
the bases of their temples, from their terraces and their summits, we have
abundant evidence in the records of the conquerors. However well these
elevations may have served for places of retreat in case of sudden attack, it
is obvious that they were in no wise adapted to resist anything like a
regular siege or a continued investment. The absence of sources for
procuring water, and the narrow compass to which the besieged must
necessarily be limited, seem sufficient in themselves to p119 successfully
combat this hypothesis. The defensive works on the Ohio, on the contrary,
possess all the requisites for resisting an enemy and for sustaining a
protracted defence.
We must seek therefore in the contents, as well as in the form and
position of these works, for the secret of their origin and purposes. And it
is at this stage of our inquiry, that the lack of a systematic and extended
investigation, conducted on philosophical principles, is most sensibly felt.

Some of these structures, it is stated, where their formation is disclosed by
slides or the wasting action of the rivers, exhibit alternate layers or
platforms of earth and burned clay, from base to summit. Others are
represented as having alternate layers of earth and human bones in various
stages of decomposition. And others still, we are assured, have various
horizontal strata of earth and sand, upon which are deposited at various
points human remains, implements, pottery, and ornaments. Many of the
remains of art exhibit great skill in their construction, more especially the
pottery and articles of similar composition. The conical mounds, so far as
we are informed, have many features in common with those of a higher
latitude. How far the coincidences between them may be traced can only
be settled by future inquiries.
From what has been presented above, it will readily be seen that it is
impossible, with our present limited knowledge concerning them, to form
anything like a determinate or satisfactory conclusion respecting the
numerous and remarkable remains of the South. The immense mounds that
abound there may be vast sepulchres in which the remains of generations
were deposited; they may have been the temples and “high places” of a
superstitious people, where rites were celebrated and sacrifices performed;
or, they may have answered as the places of last resort, where, when
pursued by foes, the ancient people fled to receive the support of their gods
and to defend the altars of their religion. Perhaps all of these purposes
were subserved by them. What significance may attach to their form;
whether there exists any dependence between their exterior features and
their contents; the dates of the different deposits found in them; indeed,
whatever of design and system which these works may have possessed,
and how far they may serve to reflect light upon the character and customs
of the people who built them, their religion, their modes of burial, and their
arts,—all remain to be determined by careful and systematic investigation,
conducted with a view to develop facts rather than to excite wonder. Such
an investigation must also finally determine whether these are the remains
of the same people whose works are scattered through the more northern
States, and whether they were probably contemporaneous in their origin;

and, if the works are of the same people, and not contemporaneous,
whether the course of migration was southward or the reverse; whether the
less imposing structures of the Ohio are the remains of a ruder and more
warlike but progressive people, or the weaker efforts of a colony, pressed
by foes and surrounded by difficulties. It may disclose the curious and
important fact, that upon the Ohio and Mississippi first originated those
elements which afterwards, in a regular course of progress, developed
themselves in the gorgeous semi-civilization of Mexico and Peru. Or it
may, on the contrary, make known the no less interesting fact, that from
these centres radiated colonies, which sustained p120 themselves for a
period, and finally disappeared, leaving perhaps only a few modified
remnants in the region bordering upon the Gulf.

Subsequent to the preparation of the foregoing pages for the press, and
at too late a date to permit the introduction, in another connection, of the
facts it embodies relating to the aboriginal monuments of the South, a
manuscript work on the Southern Indians, by W ILLIAM B ARTRAM, was
placed in the hands of the investigators, by Dr. Morton, of Philadelphia.
The character and history of this MS. have been sufficiently explained in
the Preface, to which the reader is referred.
As already observed, it relates principally to the manners, customs,
government, and religion of the Muscogulges and other southern Indian
tribes; but it also embraces many interesting and important facts respecting
the remains under consideration. Taken in connection with those presented
by the same author in his “Travels in North America,” they serve very
much to explain the character and illustrate the secondary if not the
primary purposes to which the southern monuments were applied. The
accompanying illustrations are reduced fac-similes of Bartram’s original
pen sketches. In introducing them he observes, in language somewhat
quaint but forcible:
“The following rough drawings of the ancient Indian monuments,
consisting of public buildings, areas, vestiges of towns, etc., will serve to
illustrate what I have elsewhere said respecting them. They are, to the best

of my remembrance, as near the truth as I could express. However, if I
have in any respect erred, I hope my mistakes may be corrected by the
observations of future and more accurate and industrious travellers. But as
time changes the face of things, I wish they could be searched out and
faithfully recorded, before the devastations of artificial refinements,
ambition, and avarice, totally deface these simple and most ancient
remains of the American aborigines.”

“C HUNK Y ARDS.— The ‘Chunk Yards’ of the Muscogulges or Creeks are
rectangular areas, generally occupying the centre of the town. The Public
Square and Rotunda, or Great Winter Council House, stand at the two
opposite corners of them. They are generally very extensive, especially in
the large, old towns: some of them are from six hundred to nine hundred
feet in length, and of proportionate breadth. The area is exactly level and
sunk two, sometimes three, feet below the banks or terraces surrounding
them, which are occasionally two in number, one behind and above the
other, and composed of the earth taken from the area at the time of its
formation. These banks or terraces serve the purpose of seats for
spectators. In the centre of this yard or area, there is a low, circular mound
or eminence, in the middle of which stands erect the ‘Chunk Pole,’ which
is a high obelisk or four-square pillar declining upwards to an obtuse point.
This is of wood, the heart or inward resinous part of a sound pine tree,
which is very p121 durable. It is generally from thirty to forty feet in
height, and to the top is fastened some object which serves as a mark to
shoot at, with arrows or the rifle, at certain appointed times. Near each
corner of one end of the yard, stands erect a less pole or pillar, about
twelve feet high, called a ‘Slave Post,’ for the reason that to them are
bound the captives condemned to be burnt. These posts are usually
decorated with the scalps of slain enemies, suspended by strings from the
top. They are often crowned with the white dry skull of an enemy.
“It thus appears that this area is designed for a public place of
exhibition, for shows, games, etc. Formerly, there is little doubt, most
barbarous and tragical scenes were enacted within them, such as the

torturing and burning of captives, who were here forced to run the
gauntlet, bruised and beaten with sticks and burning chunks of wood. The
Indians do not now practise these cruelties; but there are some old traders
who have witnessed them in former times. I inquired of these traders for
what reason these areas were called ‘Chunk Yards ;’ they were in general
ignorant, yet, for the most part, concurred in a lame story that it originated
in the circumstance of their having been places of torture, and that the
name was but an interpretation of the Indian term designating them.
“I observed none of these yards in use in any of the Cherokee towns;
and where I have mentioned them, in the Cherokee country, it must be
understood that I saw only the remains or vestiges of them among the ruins
of ancient towns. In the existing Cherokee towns which I visited, although
there were ancient mounds and signs of the yard adjoining, yet the yard
was either built upon or turned into a garden plat, or otherwise
appropriated. Indeed I am convinced that the Chunk Yards now or lately in
use among the Creeks are of very ancient date, and not the work of the
present Indians; although they are now kept in repair by them, being swept
very clean every day, and the poles kept up and decorated in the manner I
have described.
“The following plan, (Fig. 23,) will illustrate the form and character of
these yards.
“A. The great area, surrounded by terraces or banks.
“B. A circular eminence, at one end of the yard, commonly nine or ten
feet higher than the ground round about. Upon this mound stands the great
Rotunda , Hot House , or Winter Council House of the present Creeks. It
was probably designed and used by the ancients who constructed it, for the
same purpose.
“C. A square terrace or eminence, about the same height with the
circular one just described, occupying a position at the other end of the
yard. Upon this stands the Public Square .
“The banks enclosing the yard are indicated by the letters b b b b ; c
indicates the ‘Chunk Pole ,’ and d d the ‘Slave Posts .’ p122

“Sometimes the square, instead of being
open at the ends, as shown in the plan, is
closed upon all sides by the banks. In the
lately built or new Creek towns, they do
not raise a mound for the foundation of
their rotundas or public squares. The yard,
however, is retained, and the public
buildings occupy nearly the same position
in respect to it. They also retain the central
obelisk and the slave posts.
“In the Cherokee country, all over
Carolina and the northern and eastern parts
of Georgia, wherever the ruins of ancient
Indian towns appear, we see always,
besides these remains, one last, conical,
pointed mound. To mounds of this kind I
Fig. 23. refer, when I speak of pyramidal mounds .
To the south and west of the Altamaha, I
observed none of these, in any part of the Muscogulge country, but always
flat circular or square structures. The vast mounds upon the St. John’s,
Alachua, and Musquito rivers, differ from those among the Cherokees,
with respect to their adjuncts and appendages, particularly in respect to the
great highway or avenue, sunk below the common level of the earth,
extending from them, and terminating either in a vast savannah or natural
plain, or an artificial pond or lake. A remarkable example occurs at Mount
Royal, from whence opens a glorious view of Lake George and its
environs.
“Fig. 24 exhibits a view of the great mound last referred to. Fig. 25 is a
plan of the same structure with its accompanying avenue, which leads off
to an artificial lake or pond, on the verge of an expansive savannah or
natural meadow. A, the mound, about forty feet in perpendicular height; B,
the highway leading from the mound in a straight line to the pond C, about
half a mile distant. What may have been the motive for making this pond I

cannot conjecture, since the mound and
other vestiges of the ancient town are
situated close on the banks of the river St.
Juan.83 It could not therefore be for the
conveniency of water. Perhaps they raised
the mound with the earth taken out of the
pond. The sketch of this mound also
illustrates the character of the mounds in
the Cherokee country; but the last have not
Fig. 24. the highway or avenue, and are always

accompanied by vast square
terraces p123 placed upon one
side or the other. On the other
hand, we never see the square
terraces accompanying the Fig. 25.
high mounds of East Florida.”
From the above quotations it appears that, less than one century ago, a
portion of the monuments of the South were in actual use by the Indians. It
will be observed, however, that our authority ascribes their construction to
an anterior race and assigns to them a high antiquity. In his Travels he
remarks that the region in which they are most abundant, lying between the
Savannah and Ockmulgee rivers on the east and west, and between the sea-
coast on the south and the Apalachian mountains on the north, was
occupied subsequently to the arrival of Europeans, by the Cherokees, who
were afterwards dispossessed by the Creeks; that “all this country was
probably, many ages preceding the Cherokee invasion, inhabited by a
single nation or confederacy governed by common laws, possessing like
customs, and speaking the same language, but so ancient that neither the
Creeks nor the Cherokees, nor the nations they conquered, could render
any account by whom or for what purposes these monuments were
erected.” He nevertheless inclines to the belief, and not without reason,

that the uses to which these structures were appropriated, by the existing
Indian tribes, were not widely different from those for which they were
originally constructed. Upon this point he adds: “The mounds and large
areas adjoining them seem to have been raised in part for ornament and
recreation, and likewise to serve some other public purpose, since they are
always so situated as to command the most extensive prospect over the
country adjacent. The square terraces may have served as the foundations
of fortresses; and perhaps the great pyramidal mounds answered the
purpose of look-outs, or were high places for sacrifice.”84
Whatever date or origin we may ascribe to these monuments, we cannot
overlook the singular attachment to the square and the circle exhibited by
the Creeks in the public edifices known to have been constructed by
themselves. That these forms had some significance at the outset can
hardly be doubted, although their perpetuation may have depended upon
custom. The circumstance that the eternal fire was only maintained in the
circular structure, designated by Bartram as the “Rotunda,” goes far to
support the conclusion that its form was symbolical, and referred to the
sun. That these tribes were sun worshippers is well known: the inferences
drawn from analogy are therefore sustained by collateral facts. In their less
imposing structures, may we not discern the type of the great circles and
squares of Ohio,—the traces of a system of idolatry which has dotted the
valleys of the West with giant temples, symbolizing in their form the
nature of the worship to which they were dedicated?

FOOTNOTES TO CHAPTER IV.

74 The inability to add very largely to our stock of information respecting the
monuments of the Southern United States, is less a matter of regret, since it is ascertained that
Dr. M. W. D ICKESON of Philadelphia, whose researches in natural science have created no
little interest, has devoted much of his time to their investigation. His inquiries have been
conducted on a large scale, and will serve to reflect much new light upon our antiquities. It is
to be hoped the public will soon be put in possession of the results of his labors.
75 Most of the accounts of the monuments of the South met with in various works,
treating directly or incidentally of our antiquities, are derived from Bartram, whose animated
descriptions of those which fell under his notice are not always easily recognised, in the

various forms under which they are presented. Near the conclusion of his work, he sums up
his observations in this department as follows:
“The pyramidal hills or artificial mounds, and high ways or avenues leading from them to
artificial lakes or ponds, vast tetragon terraces, ‘chunk yards,’ and obelisks or pillars of wood,
are the only monuments of labor, ingenuity and magnificence, that I have seen worthy of
notice or remark. The region lying between the Savannah river and Ockmulgee, east and
west, and from the sea-coast to the Cherokee or Apalachian mountains, north and south, is the
most remarkable for these high conical hills, tetragon terraces, etc. This region was possessed
by the Cherokees since the arrival of the Europeans, but they were afterwards dispossessed by
the Muscogulges; and all that country was probably many ages preceding the Cherokee
invasion inhabited by one nation or confederacy, who were ruled by the same system of laws,
customs, and language, but so ancient that the Cherokees, Creeks, or the nation they
conquered, could render no account for what purposes these monuments were raised. The
mounts and cubical yards adjoining them seem to have been raised in part for ornament and
recreation, and likewise to serve for some other public purpose, since they are always so
situated as to command the most extensive prospect over the country adjacent. The tetragon
terraces seem to be the foundations of fortresses; and perhaps the great pyramidal mounts
served the purposes of look-out towers and high places for sacrifice. The sunken area called
by white traders the ‘chunk yard’ very likely served the same conveniency that it has been
appropriated to by the more modern and even present nations of Indians, that is, the place
where they burnt or otherwise tortured their captives that were condemned to die; as the area
is surrounded by a bank, and sometimes two of them, one behind and above the other, as seats
to accommodate the spectators at such tragical scenes, as well as at the exhibition of shows,
dances, and games. From the river St. Juan’s, southwardly to the point of the peninsula of
Florida, are to be seen high pyramidal mounts, with spacious and extensive avenues, leading
from them out of the town, to an artificial lake or pond of water: these were evidently
designed for ornament or monuments of magnificence to perpetuate the power and grandeur
of the nation; and not inconsiderable neither, for they exhibit scenes of power and grandeur,
and must have been public edifices.”—Travels in North America , p. 518.
76 From the Rafinesque MSS. The scale on which the plan is drawn is not given. It is
probably about five hundred feet to the inch. An account of this work, substantially the same
with that given by Prof. R AFINESQUE, was published by Mr. E. C ORNELIUS, in Silliman’s
Journal, vol. i. p. 223. Mr. Cornelius was accompanied in his visit by several Indian chiefs,
who, he says, “gazed upon the remains with as much curiosity as any white man. I inquired,”
continues Mr. C., “of the oldest chief, if the natives had any tradition concerning them; to
which he answered in the negative. I then requested each to say what he supposed was their
origin. Neither could tell; but all agreed in saying, ‘They were never put up by our people.’”
77 Western Messenger.
78 The notices of these mounds, although falling with more propriety within the scope
of the chapter on “Mounds ,” can hardly be omitted from the above connection. It will shortly
be seen that the mound first described (number 2 of the plan) probably belongs to the class of
altar or sacrificial mounds, or those which were connected with the superstitions of the
builders. The human remains found in that, as in mound number 3, were, most likely,
deposited subsequent to their erection. It is not impossible that the mound last named is of a
later date than those upon the higher ground.

79 The perfect regularity which the plans exhibit, it will readily be understood, does not
actually exist. The angles of all these structures are more or less rounded. The predominant
features, nevertheless,—the terraces, platforms, and graded ways,—are truly represented. All
of these works seem to have been originally moulded with the utmost care, and possessed the
highest degree of regularity of which the materials were capable. They were undoubtedly
faced with turf, which seems better than solid masonry to resist the ravages of time and the
elements.
80 Stoddard, in his History of Louisiana, p. 349, gives an account of some works near
the junction of the Washita, Acatahoola, and Tenza, probably the very ones in question. His
account is subjoined:
“Not less than five remarkable mounts are situated near the junction of the Washita,
Acatahoola, and Tenza, in an alluvial soil. They are all enclosed in an embankment, or wall of
earth, at this time ten feet high, which contains about two hundred acres of land. Four of these
mounds are nearly of equal dimensions, about twenty feet high, one hundred broad, and three
hundred long. The fifth seems to have been designed for a tower or turret; the base of it
covers an acre of ground; it rises by two stages or steps; its circumference gradually
diminishes as it ascends; its summit is crowned by a flattened cone. By admeasurement the
height of this tower is found to be eighty feet. Perhaps these works were designed in part for
defence, and in part for the reception of the dead.”
There is a slight discrepancy in the dimensions of these works, as given by Prof.
Rafinesque and Mr. Stoddard. Both agree, however, respecting their vast size, and general
character.
81 This monument is not singular. Mounds with spiral pathways are frequent at the
South, and are occasionally found at the North. Bartram describes one on the Savannah river
in Georgia:—“These wonderful labors of the ancients stand in a level plain near the bank of
the river. They consist of conical mounds of earth and four square terraces, etc. The great
mound is in form of a cone, about forty or fifty feet high, and the circumference of its base is
two or three hundred yards; it is entirely composed of the loamy rich earth of the low
grounds; the top or apex is flat; a spiral path or track leading from the ground up to the top is
still visible: there appear four niches excavated out of the sides of this hill, at different heights
from the base, fronting the four cardinal points; these niches or sentry-boxes are entered into
from the winding path, and seem to have been meant for resting-places or look-outs.”—
Bartram’s Travels in N. America , p. 323.
The niches here mentioned have been occasionally observed in Mississippi and Louisiana,
placed at right angles in respect to each other, and not always, though sometimes,
corresponding to the cardinal points. It has been suggested that they were designed as
recesses for idols, or places where altars were erected. It seems likely that proper
investigation would throw light upon this point.
82 Breckenridge’s View of Louisiana, Appendix . Mr. J. R. B ARTLETT, in a recent
Memoir on the “Progress of Ethnology,” presents, on the authority of Dr. M. W. D ICKESON,
some new facts respecting this mound. “On digging into it, vast quantities of human skeletons
were found; also numerous specimens of pottery, including vases filled with pigments, ashes,
ornaments, etc. The north side of the mound is supported by a wall of sun-dried bricks , two
feet thick, filled with grass, rushes, and leaves. A shaft has been sunk in the mound to the
depth of forty-two feet, without reaching the original soil.” Dr. D ICKESON also mentions
angular tumuli, the corners of which “were quite perfect, formed of large bricks, bearing the

impression of the human hand.” We have the same authority for the fact that the great
enclosure at the “Trinity” in Louisiana, which contains one hundred and fifty acres, “is
partially faced with sun-dried bricks.” Also that ditches and ponds are sometimes found, in
the same State, “lined at the bottom and sides with bricks.” These bricks are stated to be from
sixteen to eighteen inches in length, and of proportionate breadth.
83 The remains here described are referred to in Bartram’s published travels as follows:
“They are situated upon an eminence, near the banks of the lake, and command an extensive
and charming prospect of the waters, islands, east and west shores of the lake, the capes, the
bay, and Mount Royal; and to the south the view is in like manner infinite, where the skies
and waters seem to unite. On the site of this ancient town stands a very pompous Indian
mount, or conical pyramid of earth, from which runs in a straight line a grand avenue or
Indian highway through a magnificent grove of magnolias, live oaks, palms, and orange trees,
terminating at the verge of a large green level savannah.”—Travels . p. 101.
84 Travels in North America, p. 518.

p124

C H A P T E R V.

MONUMENTS OF THE NORTH-WEST.

It has already been observed that the ancient monuments of the Southern
United States, although partaking of the general character of those of the
central region, are nevertheless in many respects peculiar. While enclosures
are comparatively few, mounds are abundant and of great size and
symmetry, and possess a regularity of arrangement which we look for in
vain among the corresponding structures of a higher latitude. Proceeding to
the North and North-west, we find the earthworks assuming a new form and
character, in many respects so unlike those both of the central and southern
divisions of the country, that we are almost induced to assign them a
different origin. As at the South, there are few enclosures or works of
defence; but, instead of regular pyramidal structures, the mounds generally
assume the shape of animals, presenting a thousand singular forms and
combinations. These effigies are situated upon the undulating prairies and
level plains, and are accompanied by conical mounds and occasional lines
of embankment; but the latter, except in a very few instances, have no
obvious design, and enter into none of the combinations which we notice in
the works of the Ohio valley. The interesting field occupied by these
remains has not fallen within the range of the investigations of the authors,
who are therefore unable to present much that is new respecting them; still,
it will be necessary to embody the facts thus far disclosed in a general
manner, in order to an adequate comprehension of the scope and character
of our antiquities. And here, at the outset, we have again to regret the small
amount of information respecting these works in possession of the public,
as well as its unsatisfactory nature, resulting from the necessarily limited
and disconnected observations of those who have paid any attention to the

subject. These observations have been made by men of inquiring minds, in
the scanty intervals of professional business, and are consequently too
detached to justify or sustain any general conclusions. They have served
rather to excite than to gratify curiosity, and in this way they may have the
good effect of leading to a full and careful survey of the entire field.
The first public notice of the existence of these singular relics at the
North-west, was made by R ICHARD C. T AYLOR, Esq., in the “American
Journal of Science and Art,” for the month of April, 1838. His paper, which
was accompanied by several illustrations, attracted considerable attention,
and was followed, in the same Journal for 1843, by a more extended
account, very well illustrated, from the hand of S. T AYLOR, Esq. A later
notice by Prof. J OHN L OCKE constituted a short chapter in the “Report on
the Mineral Lands of the United p125 States,” presented to Congress in 1840
and published in 1844. These, with a few unsatisfactory notices in the
public prints, comprise the only sources of information which we possess;
and from them the following facts are mainly derived.
The field in which these remains occur, so far as observed by the above
authorities, is embraced within the lower counties of Wisconsin, and
extends from Prairie du Chien on the Mississippi, by the way of the
Wisconsin and Rock rivers, eastward towards Fond du Lac on Lake
Winnebago, and Milwaukie on Lake Michigan. The country thus indicated
is about one hundred and fifty miles in length by fifty in width. The great
Indian trail or “war path,” from Lake Michigan near Milwaukie to the
Mississippi above Prairie du Chien, which has for the most part been
adopted as the route of the United States military road, passes through this
chain of earthworks. They are found in abundance by the sides of this great
natural pathway, which has been for ages and must for ever remain the route
of communication between the Great Lakes and the Great River. They occur
principally in the vicinity of the large water-courses, observing in this
respect a marked conformity with the remains of other sections, and are
invariably placed above the influence of freshets or inundations. Like those
of the Ohio valley, they are seldom found upon hilly or sterile lands, but

mainly upon the rich undulating plains, or on the levels corresponding to
the alluvions of the Ohio.
They consist of elevations of earth, of diversified outline and various
size, for the most part constituting effigies of beasts, birds, reptiles, and of
the human form; but often circular, quadrangular, and of oblong shape. The
circular or conical tumuli differ from those scattered over the whole country
in no outward respect, excepting that they are much smaller in their average
dimensions; the largest seldom exceeding fifteen feet in height. Those in the
form of parallelograms are sometimes upwards of five hundred feet in
length, seldom less than one hundred; but in height they bear no proportion
to their otherwise great dimensions, and may probably be better designated
as walls, embankments, or terraces, than mounds. These works are seldom
isolated, but generally occur in groups or ranges, sometimes, though not
always, placed with apparent design in respect to each other. In these
groups may be observed every variety of form,—the circular, quadrangular,
and animal-shaped structures occurring in such connection with each other
as to fully justify the belief that they are of contemporaneous origin. At first
glance, these remains are said to resemble the sites or ground-plans and
foundation-lines of buildings; and it is not until their entire outline is taken
into view, that the impression of an effigy becomes decided. This is not
surprising, in view of the fact that they are usually of inconsiderable height,
varying from one to four feet; in a few cases, however, rising as high as six
feet. Their outlines are, nevertheless, represented to be distinctly defined in
all cases where they occupy favorable positions. Their small altitude should
cause no doubt of the fidelity of the representations which have been made
of these figures; since a regular elevation of six inches can be readily traced
upon the level prairies and “bottom-lands” of the West, especially when it is
covered with turf. The following illustrations, selected from those presented
by the authorities above mentioned, will serve to explain the character of
p126 these remains. It is to be regretted that explanatory sections do not
accompany the plans, so as to exhibit, at one view, the altitude as well as
general outlines and dimensions of the figures.

XL. Ancient Monuments Seven Miles East of the Blue Mounds, Dade Co. ♠
Wisconsin.

PLATE XL.
ANCIENT MONUMENTS, DADE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.

This group of mounds is figured and described from actual survey, by
Mr. R. C. T AYLOR. 85 It occurs about eighteen miles west of the “Four
Lakes,” and seven miles east of the “Blue Mounds,” in Dade county,
Wisconsin. It is situated on the Great Indian Trail already noticed, and
consists; as will be observed, of effigies of six quadrupeds, six mounds in
the form of parallelograms, one circular tumulus, one effigy of the human
figure, and a small circle. The area comprehended in the map is something
less than half a mile in length. The dimensions of the figures and their
relative positions are indicated in the plan. It is not easy to make out, from

the effigies, the character of the animals intended to be represented. It has
been suggested that they were designed to represent the buffalo, which
formerly abounded in the vicinity; but the absence of a tail and of the
characteristic hump of that animal would seem to point to a different
conclusion. They display a closer resemblance to the bear than to any other
animal with which we are acquainted. These figures seem to be most
prevalent; and, though preserving about the same relative proportions, vary
in size from ninety to one hundred and twenty feet. In many other places, as
at this point, they occur in ranges, one after the other at irregular intervals.
In the midst of this group is the representation of a human figure, placed
with its head towards the west, and having its arms and legs extended. Its
length is one hundred and twenty-five feet, and it is one hundred and forty
feet from the extremity of one arm to that of the other. The body is thirty
feet in breadth, the head twenty-five feet in diameter, and its elevation
considerably greater than that of most of the others, being not much less
than six feet. The human figure is not uncommon among the effigies, and is
always characterized by the extraordinary and unnatural length of its arms.
The conical mound in the centre of this group is the most elevated work,
and commands a view of the entire series. These works are situated upon a
high open prairie, on the dividing ridge between the waters of the Rock and
Wisconsin rivers. Half a mile westward of this remarkable group, and on
the same elevated prairie, occurs a solitary mound, about ninety feet in
length, representing an animal in all respects like those just described, but
lying with its head towards the south-west. p127
“Along the space of twenty miles from this position,” observes Mr. R. S.
Taylor, “extending to the Four Lakes eastward, similar monuments,
intermixed with plain tumuli, are seen at almost every mile, in the lowest
situations as well as crowning the highest swells of the prairies; and they
are still more numerous all around those beautiful but almost unknown
lakes. It would be a ceaseless repetition of similar forms to figure many of
these.”

XLI. ♠
No. 1. Group of works 10 miles west of Madison, Dade Co. Wisconsin.
No. 2. Group of works 8 miles east of the Blue Mounds, Dade Co.
Wisconsin.
No. 3. Enlarged Plan of Mound A, Group No. 1, on this plate, showing
the method of survey.

PLATE XLI.
ANCIENT WORKS, DADE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.

N UMBER 1.—This group is figured both by Mr. R. C. T AYLOR and Prof.
L OCKE, whose plans agree with great exactness. It occurs ten miles west of
Madison, Dade county, Wisconsin. The old Indian trail, now the military
road, runs between the nose of one animal and the tail of the other. They
lie on the borders of an undulating prairie, at the edge of the woodland,
upon a gentle slope. A short distance (five hundred or six hundred feet) to
the west of them is a natural swell of ground, with an artificial circular
tumulus on the top of it, overlooking the two figures. No. 3 on the same
Plate illustrates the method of survey adopted by Prof. Locke, and also
gives an enlarged plan of the more perfect figure of the group.86 These
effigies are the favorite resort of badgers, which, finding them raised and
dry, have selected them for their burrows. Mr. Taylor suggests that these
figures were intended to represent the fox. Prof. Locke, on the other hand,
remarks that “they have an expression of agility and fleetness, and may
have been intended to represent the cougar or American tiger, an animal
still existing in that region.”
N UMBER 2.—This group of works closely resembles that last described.
One of the effigies (C) was opened by Prof. Locke. “It was composed of
sand without any change to mark the original surface, although it is now
overgrown with grass and covered with a thin black mould. The whole of
the descent near the bottom of which the figure lies, has evidently been
formed from the disintegration of the sandstone bluff contiguous; and at
the time of the formation of this tumulus, it was most probably destitute of
loam at this point, as it now is at a point nearer p128 the bluff. A section of

the embankment, near the gap, exhibited a thin line of loam, even with
what might be supposed to have been the surface of the ground. Alluvial
stratification is positive proof that a formation is not artificial; but the
absence of a base of mould is not proof of the same thing, for the surface
of the earth may have been removed before the erection of the mound. In
examining the tumuli of Wisconsin, I did not at any place discover a ditch
or cavity from which the earth to construct them had been taken. They are
uniformly raised from a smooth surface, always above inundation, and
guarded from temporary currents produced by showers. The backs of the
effigies are uniformly placed up hill.”

PLATE XLII.

N UMBER 1.—This group of works is sufficiently well explained by the
Plate itself. It is situated about two miles from the group last described, on
the road to Madison. The large figure in the supplementary plan is about
two thousand feet south-west of the embankment represented in the plan.
“It appears to be solitary; lies on a low, level ground; and seems to be
mutilated. If intended to represent an animal, the head is evidently too
large, and the attitude stiff and rectangular.”

XLII. ♠
No. 1. Group of Remains, Ten Miles East of the Blue Mounds, Dade Co.
Wisconsin.
No. 2. Group of Works, North Bank of Wisconsin River, Richland Co.
Wisconsin.

N UMBER 2.—This singular group of works is situated upon section two,
township eight, near the north bank of Wisconsin river, one and a half
miles west of the principal meridian, Richland county, Wisconsin. It is
minutely described by Mr. S. T AYLOR. The figures composing the group
are so arranged as to constitute a sort of enclosure of about half an acre
area, which Mr. Taylor terms the “citadel.” The ground is here prominent;
to the north, south, and west of the embankments it has a graded descent;
to the east it spreads into a broad plateau, upon which, as well as to the
southward, are numerous other embankments of various forms and
dimensions. From the top of the principal mound, occupying the centre of
the group, and within four hundred yards to the westward, may be seen at
least a hundred elevations similar to those forming the boundaries of the
“citadel.” “The elevation of these embankments generally is no more than
thirty inches , and of the lesser mounds twenty inches, while the altitude of
the large mound overlooking the whole group is ten feet. Exterior to the
group, upon the east and north-east sides, excavations from which the earth
had been removed are plainly indicated; and it was here, no doubt, that a
portion of the material composing the structures was obtained.
Notwithstanding the rank growth of vegetation upon these works, and the
probability that they have been much reduced from their original height,
the angles and terminations are quite visible. Near the north-east part of the
group, part of the embankment appears to have been destroyed.” p129
The supplementary section, A, exhibits the excavation made by Mr.
Taylor in the large central mound. “A shaft was sunk about midway from
the top to the bottom of the mound. At the depth of eight feet the original
sod was reached; it here assumes a different appearance from that which it
possesses at the exposed surface, is hard and compact, resembling what is
technically denominated ‘hard pan,’ caused perhaps by the pressure of the

superincumbent earth. The mound is composed of ferruginous sand; and as
it is free from any admixture, and is destitute of any appearance of
stratification, it must have been built at one time, and not by contributions
at intervals. The original sod is here about six inches thick; beneath it is the
regular stratification of the plain. A shaft was carried along the original
level for the space of fourteen feet, and some distance beyond the centre of
the mound; but no remains of any kind were discovered.”

PLATE XLIII.

N UMBER 1.—This interesting group of remains is situated in the village
of Muscoda, (English Prairie,) Grant county, Wisconsin. It is described as
follows, by Mr. S. T AYLOR: “The late cultivation of these grounds has in a
measure obliterated these works, many of them being in the streets and
commons; and the village in its future increase may destroy them entirely.
In the group are three figures in the form of a cross [bird?]; in the centre of
the largest of them is a depression, perhaps caused by an Indian caché .
The outlines of the various figures are easily traced, although their
elevation at this time does not exceed thirty inches. From the excavations
around many of them, it is apparent that they must have been constructed
with materials obtained adjacent to them. Some of these mounds however
seem to have successfully resisted the abrasions of time; those towards the
south-western portion of the group are six feet in height. The distance,
from one to the other of the group here represented, is about four hundred
and sixty yards. The site is a beautiful arenaceous loam, free from trees
and shrubbery, so that a view of the entire group is commanded from the
summit of some of the more prominent mounds. Human bones have been
found in many of these.”

XLIII. Ancient Works ♠
No. 1. Grant Co. Wisconson.
Nos. 2–13. Various Localities.

N UMBER 2 is situated on the north-east part of Sec. 35 N., and is within
a mile of the Wisconsin river. It occupies an eminence, and is the centre of
a group of mounds, fifteen in number, extending the distance of three
hundred yards, and placed at intervals of about twenty-five feet apart. “It
appears to have been originally constructed as represented by the dotted
lines, having at those points an elevation of about three feet. Additional
earth seems then to have been heaped upon the head and breast, elevating
those points to the height of six feet.” p130
N UMBER 3 occurs about a mile to the westward of group No. 1, just
described. “It represents a human figure having two heads, which
gracefully recline over the shoulders. It is well preserved. The arms are
disproportionately long; their full length is not exhibited in the plan for
want of room. The various parts of the figure are gracefully rounded; the
stomach and breast are full and well proportioned. D IMENSIONS.— Widths :
from one arm-pit over the breast to the other, twenty-five feet; over arm at
shoulders, twelve, and tapering to four feet at the extremities; over hips,
twenty; over legs, near the body, eight, and tapering to five; over figure
above the shoulders, fifteen; over each neck, eight; over the heads, ten.
Lengths : of body, fifty feet; arms, one hundred and thirty; neck and heads,
fifteen. Elevations : of breast, shoulders, and abdomen, thirty-six inches;
arms at the junction of the shoulders, same height, diminishing towards
their extremities to ten inches; the thighs near the trunk are twenty, at the
feet but ten inches in height.”
N UMBER 4 lies about four miles west of the village of Muscoda. It may
have been intended to represent a bird, a bow and arrow, or the human
figure. In the forest near this work are extensive groups of ancient
monuments.

N UMBER 5 is situated on the Wisconsin river, east of the fourth principal
meridian. The length of this figure is one hundred and fifty feet; elevation
three feet. Mr. S. Taylor suggests that it is intended to represent the frog; it
approaches nearer the form of a turtle. There are other works of a similar
shape near by; also some in the form of a cross, mammillary mounds, and
parallelograms.
N UMBER 6 occurs near group No. 1 of this plate. “It seems to have been
intended to represent some fleet animal. It is one hundred feet in length,
and eighteen inches high.”
N UMBER 7 is found not far from that last described, and is supposed by
Mr. Taylor to represent the turtle. It is seventy-six feet in length, and its
greatest height is thirty inches. It is a common figure in Wisconsin.
N UMBER 8 was situated in Richland county, Wisconsin. Mr. Taylor
thinks it was intended to represent a bear. It was fifty-six feet long, and
twenty inches high. It has lately been destroyed by the passage of a road
over it.
N UMBER 9 occurs in the vicinity of No. 2, and is the terminating figure
of the series of which that is the centre. Earthworks of this form are
common in Richland county.
N UMBER 10, near Blue river, English Prairie; length eighty-four feet,
height six feet; supposed to represent a bear.
N UMBER 11 is found near No. 4. It is very perfect in outline; seventy-
nine p131 feet long, and twenty-four broad. “Throughout this region,”
observes Mr. S. Taylor, “embankments of this form are very numerous:
some have two parallel projections from the back of the head; in the
present case they seem to be so blended as to represent but one.”
N UMBER 12, one mile from the English Prairie, represents, according to
Mr. S. Taylor, “a species of mounds which, under various modifications,
are very numerous, comprising about one fifth of the embossed works of
the region in which it occurs. The elevation of the figure, as well as of the

group of which it forms a part, is about four feet. Between the base of the
trunk and the southern wing, is a mound twenty-one feet in diameter, and
five feet high.” Supposed to represent a bird with wings partially
expanded.
N UMBER 13, designated the “horned bird” by Mr. Taylor, is situated in
the county of Grant, upon S. 16, T. 8, R. 1, W., where an extensive group
of several hundreds may be seen.

PLATE XLIV.

N UMBER 1.—The only enclosure in Wisconsin at all resembling those
of a lower latitude, or which seems to partake of a defensive character, is
situated upon the west branch of Rock river, township seven, of range
fourteen east, in the Milwaukie land district. It is known as the city or ruins
of Aztalan. Several brief notices of this work have appeared in the public
prints; the only account, however, which is at all satisfactory, was
communicated, together with an illustrative map, by Mr. S. Taylor, to the
American Journal of Science and Arts, in 1843.

XLIV. Ancient Work ♠
No. 1. On Rock River, Wisconsin.
Nos. 2–8. Various localities.

This work, although possessing several features peculiar to itself, has
others closely resembling those that characterize the works bordering the
Gulf. It is described as situated in a beautiful rolling country, conveniently
interspersed with timber, and watered by Rock river and its tributaries. It is
said to consist of a “brick wall” five feet high by twenty-five feet base,
enclosing an area of twenty acres, and having the general outline of an
oblong square. Upon three sides the wall is interrupted, at intervals of from
two to five rods, by bastions of the same height as the main wall, and
extending seventeen feet beyond it. The inner wall, extending along the
bank of the river, is much lighter than those upon the remaining sides, and
is destitute of the singular feature last mentioned. Within this enclosure are
a number of truncated pyramids, forty or fifty feet square upon the top, and
between fifteen and twenty in height. Two of these are connected with
each other by an elevated way, after the manner of some of the Mississippi
and Louisiana structures. (See Plate XXXIX.) Two parallel ways or
embankments are carried longitudinally, nearly the whole length of the
enclosure. Several p132 conical mounds are mentioned in the description as
occurring within the enclosure, but do not appear in the plan. Quite a
number occur just exterior to the walls, some of which are represented to
be of large size. Covering the south-west angle is a crescent-form work of
considerable extent, which also has bastions at intervals throughout its
length. A cellar and stairway within one of the square mounds, and a
subterranean passage arched with stone , are mentioned as existing here;
but they lack confirmation and deserve little credit.
The walls, which are described as being built of brick , are composed of
clay, probably burned on the spot. Whether they are burned throughout,
has not yet been ascertained, and can only be determined by removing a
section of the wall. It will doubtless be found that the burning is
superficial, resulting from the combustion of some wooden superstructure,

or from design. We shall be warranted in ascribing the use of burned bricks
to the race which built these works, only upon the most conclusive
evidence, and such we do not at present possess.87 The walls of many of
the enclosures in the Scioto valley appear to have been slightly burned.
(See page 28.)
The plan of the work presented by Mr. Taylor is palpably an imperfect
one. No gateways or entrances are represented, nor is the scale upon which
the work is laid down exhibited,—omissions which would not be likely to
occur in a plan made after accurate survey. A complete map and
description of this work, such as its singular character merits, is a
desideratum.
This is the only work with projections partaking of the character of
bastions, which has fallen under notice, and is in this respect remarkable.
That these projections were designed to subserve the purposes to which
bastions are applied in modern fortification is not clear. The object of the
bastion is to enfilade the wall of the defence, so as to preclude an enemy
from approaching it or carrying on his operations under its shelter. Hence
they are placed at such intervals as may easily be swept or commanded by
the weapons in use; the distance of a bow-shot apart would therefore be
adequate to all the purposes for which their erection is required. So far
from this being the case in the work under notice, it appears that they are
placed at the short intervals of from thirty to eighty feet. This
circumstance, though not conclusive on the point, would seem to indicate
that they were not constructed for the purpose which we should be apt at
first glance to assign to them.
N UMBER 2.—“Among the various works of antiquity in this region,”
observes Mr. S. Taylor, “those in the form of men are numerous. This
figure forms one of an extensive series of these works, of various shapes,
situated upon S. 35, T. 9, R. 1, W. of 4th M., in the margin of a forest, and
is covered with large trees. It is truly a giant, measuring from the extremity
of one arm to that of the other, p133 two hundred and seventy-nine feet, and
from the top of the head to the end of the trunk, one hundred and eleven

feet. Its shoulders, head, and breast, are elevated four feet. In the centre of
the breast is quite a depression, probably once used as a place of
concealment for provisions by the French, called a caché . About a mile to
the north of this figure is another of human shape and like magnitude,
accompanied by a large group of works. Among them is a large mound two
hundred feet in circumference, and fifteen in height.”
N UMBER 3.—This group occurs upon the English Prairie, within the
limits of Iowa county, Wisconsin. “In the vicinity of these are many other
figures of various forms and dimensions. To the eastward commences a
series of mammillary mounds, varying from one to two and a half feet in
height. They are beautifully and with much regularity arranged at intervals,
and extend to the distance of about fifteen hundred feet, terminating
abruptly in a mound eighteen feet in height, and two hundred and twenty-
five in circumference. To the north and south of the figures, and parallel
with them, are numerous embankments with passage-ways through them.”
N UMBER 4.—This group is also situated in the vicinity of English
Prairie. But half of the figures are represented; the remainder are of the
same forms, supposed to represent birds.
N UMBER 5.—“The site of this remarkable work is upon an eminence,
near Eagle Mills, Richland county, Wisconsin. It seems to be a
combination of two figures, one representing the buffalo, perhaps, and the
other a man. Immediately to the south-west, and within twenty feet of the
head of this figure, commences a series of mounds, mostly conical.”
N UMBER 6 is near Blue river, English Prairie. Its outlines are very
distinct; probably designed to represent the otter or a lizard. Figures of the
kind are quite common.
N UMBER 7 is in the village of Muscoda, county of Grant. Its length is
two hundred and sixty-four feet; height thirty inches.
There are many rectangular and some circular figures in addition to the
animal-shaped effigies of which so many examples have been given. Fig.

26 represents the manner in which they are
often combined. This example is from the
great group on the English Prairie.
Individual figures might be multiplied, but
enough have been presented to convey a
Fig. 26. general idea of the character of these
singular monuments. A complete survey of
the field of their occurrence might disclose a dependence between the
various groups, and go far towards explaining the mystery of their origin
and purposes. p134
Some of these mounds have been excavated and found to contain human
remains in all parts, while the excavations in others have been attended
with no such developments. Those examined by Prof. Locke and Mr. S.
Taylor revealed no deposits. Mr. R. C. Taylor mentions that twelve
mounds, near Red Bank on the Fox river, were opened in 1837, and found
to contain human bones in a very advanced stage of decomposition. One of
the mounds was an animal-shaped structure, one hundred and fifty feet in
length. The position of the skeletons indicated that the bodies had been
placed upon the original surface previous to being heaped over. There were
no appearances of excavation beneath the surface in any of the interments.
It may be suggested that the human remains found in these mounds were
deposited by the existing tribes of Indians, a suggestion which derives
great force from the fact that both the Messrs. Taylor concur in
representing that many of the Indians to this day bury in these structures,
conceiving that they were originally designed for that purpose, although
they possess no tradition respecting their origin. Some of the Indians, on
the other hand, express the belief that the mounds in the form of animals
were made by the “Great Manitou ,” and are indicative of a plentiful
supply of game in the world of spirits. At any rate, they are regarded with
reverence by all the Indians, and are never disturbed by them, except for
purposes of sepulture.
Proceeding upon the assumption that they were designed as burial-
places, Mr. R. C. Taylor ingeniously suggests that their forms were

intended to designate the cemeteries of the respective tribes or families to
which they belonged: thus, the tribe, clan, or family possessing as its
characteristic totem , blazon, or emblem, the Bear, constructed the burial-
place of its members in the form of that animal; the clans having the
Panther, Turtle, Eagle, or other animal or object for their totems ,
respectively conforming to the same practice. Upon this hypothesis we can
readily conceive the ancient inhabitant to have possessed the same anxiety
to be buried in his family tomb which we see exhibited at this day, among
our own people, “to rest in the sepulchres of their fathers.” Mr. Taylor
discreetly remarks, however, that there is no evidence to show that any
existing tribes of Indians ever erected such monuments, but that, on the
contrary, they acknowledge the profoundest ignorance of their origin. He
advances the suggestion only as a plausible conjecture, in the absence of
any satisfactory solution of the problem, which still remains unsolved.
What significance may attach to the fact that they occur mainly on the
great lines of traverse between the Mississippi and Lake Michigan, or to
the further fact that most if not all of these groups have one or more
conical mounds so placed as to command a view of the remainder, it is not
undertaken to say.88 That similar works are found in the central and
western portions of Michigan, as p135 well as in Wisconsin, we have the
assurance of witnesses whose statements are entitled to full credit.
Whether they are identical with those noticed above is unknown; their
character remains to be ascertained.89 The few animal effigies found in
Ohio, and of which an account has already been given, seem to have few
features in common with those of the North-west, and probably, in their
purposes, admit of less doubt. We cannot venture to assign a similar origin
to the latter,—certainly not, until we are in possession of more facts
concerning them, whereon to base our conclusions.
The absence of enclosures, or works of defence, (such as are found in
great numbers in the Ohio valley,) in connection with these animal effigies,
has been noticed in a preceding page. It appears that the effigies
themselves, accompanied by short, low lines of embankment, are
sometimes so arranged as nearly to enclose certain areas; whether the

arrangement resulted from design or accident is not however very
apparent.
Such is the extent of our knowledge respecting the monuments of
Wisconsin. Carver mentions earthworks in the vicinity of Lake Pepin; and
it is reasonable to conclude that they are scattered, in greater or less
profusion, over the intervening territory. Of this, however, we are still
uninformed. It would be an interesting point to determine the range of the
mound effigies, and whether they merge gradually into the works of a
lower latitude, or whether they occupy an exclusive field, and possess
characteristics sufficiently striking to warrant us in ascribing them to a
different race or era. Their purposes, in our present state of information
concerning them, do not seem to be satisfactorily settled: it is still a matter
of doubt whether they are sepulchral in their origin, connected with the
superstitions of their builders, or erected as the monuments and memorials
of migrations and events unrecorded by the pen of history. Certain it is that
they are now invaded by a busy population, careless alike of their origin
and of their future fate, before whose encroachments they are rapidly
disappearing. Already the plough has broken in upon the outlines and
symmetry of hundreds, and unless the present favorable moment is seized
upon to secure their accurate admeasurement and delineation, these
embossed illustrations of our ancient history will be obliterated forever. It
is impossible to estimate their value in the elucidation of the grand
ethnological problems involved in the past history of our country, until
their extent and dependencies as well as their general character are better
understood.
In the State of Missouri, and especially in the country lying between the
Missouri and Arkansas rivers, various singular remains are represented to
exist, which differ materially from those that have been noticed in the
preceding pages. p136 These are said to consist of the ruins of towns,
sometimes of great size, regularly laid out, in streets and squares. Dr.
B ECK mentions one of these ruined towns in Gasconade county, (probably
now falling within the county of Crawford, erected out of Gasconade,) in

which the sites of houses, possessing foundations of stone, are distinctly
visible. Stone walls are said to occur in some parts of the area, covered by
heaps of earth.90 The same author describes several works of stone
displaying, in his estimation, great architectural skill, which occur on
Osage river and Buffalo creek, one of its tributaries. One said to exist on
Noyer’s creek, near the town of Louisiana, Pike county, has been
particularly noticed. “It presents the dilapidated remains of a building
constructed of rough, unhewn stones, fifty-six feet long and twenty-two
broad, embracing several divisions and chambers. The walls are from two
to five feet high. Eighty rods eastward of this structure is found a smaller
one, of similar construction. The narrow apartments are said to be arched
with stone, one course overlapping the other, after the manner of the
edifices of Central America.”91 Nothing of this character has been
observed elsewhere, and it is extremely probable that there is some
mistake in the matter. If works answering to this description really exist, at
the points mentioned, they deserve the careful attention of the
archæologist. It is suspected that they will not bear a rigid scrutiny, such as
is required to a proper substantiation. Our authority observes, that “these
remains form a class of antiquities entirely distinct from the walled towns,
fortifications, barriers, or mounds; and that the regularity and other
peculiarities of structure which they display, favor the conclusion that they
are the remains of a race different from those who erected the former, and
who were familiar with the rules of architecture, and perhaps with a perfect
system of warfare.”92
I. D ILLE, Esq., of Newark, Ohio, in a communication addressed to the
authors, presents the following facts respecting the remains of Missouri,
which cannot fail to prove interesting in this connection: “I have been
much interested in a singular kind of antiquities found in the State of
Missouri. They have been mentioned, but not described, by various
writers. They consist of small tumuli, generally raised about twelve or
eighteen inches above the surface, and have the general form of an ellipse,
measuring usually twenty-five by eighteen feet. They are very numerous,
particularly upon the head waters of the St. Francis river, and are always

near streams and water-courses. I have dug into several, but never
succeeded in finding anything except coals and a few pieces of rude
pottery. Hence I have concluded they are the remains of mud-houses. They
are always arranged in straight lines, with broad streets intervening
between them, crossing each other p137 at right angles. In different villages
their distance apart varies, but is generally uniform in the same group.
Sometimes they are as near as ten paces to each other, while in other
instances they are separated twenty or thirty paces. These ruined villages
are numerous in the vicinity of Mine la Motte.93 The town of Frederickton
stands upon one of these sites. I have noticed in them the usual prerogative
of power,—the largest houses are always nearest the water, and the
smallest most distant. It would appear that the selection of the site was
governed by the convenience of water alone; the principals taking the
nearest position to the stream. I have counted upwards of two hundred of
these mounds in a single group. Arrow-heads of jasper and agate, and axes
of sienite and porphyry, have been found in these vicinities. No other
remains of a remarkable character have, so far as I am aware, been
discovered.”94
It may be conjectured, that the remains here mentioned are the traces of
Indian villages. The Mandans, Minatarees, and some other tribes, built
their huts of earth, resting on a framework of wood. Previous to their
erection, however, the soil was excavated to the depth of about two feet,
and the ruins of their towns are designated rather by depressions than
elevations. It is also well known that their lodges were grouped without
regularity, and close together, with just enough room between them to
permit of moving about.95 The sites of most of the Indian towns are only
indicated by the graves in their vicinity, and by the bones and fragments of
rude pottery scattered over the surface.
Besides these remains, there are numerous others in the valley of the
Missouri, bearing a close resemblance to those upon the Ohio and its
branches. Lewis and Clarke describe a very extensive series of works, one
thousand miles up the Missouri, embracing an area of about four hundred
acres. It is situated upon a peninsula formed by a bend of the river, and

consists of two long walls, from six to fifteen feet in height, and from
seventy-five to one hundred feet broad at the p138 base, one of which is six
thousand feet long and extends across the isthmus, the other runs along the
bank of the stream. The extremity of one of the long walls terminates in a
species of citadel, of semi-circular shape, which has horn-works and
curtains defending the gateways, and also protected ways to the river. Here
are a number of mounds and excavations similar, in all respects, to those
characterizing the defensive works generally. This work is not entire,
having evidently been greatly encroached upon by the river, which is
constantly undermining the elevated terrace upon which it stands. Still
beyond this point, upon the Platte, Kanzas, and the numerous other
tributaries of the Missouri, many large and interesting works are said to
occur.96 They have been remarked high up the streams, in the valleys
overlooked by the Rocky Mountains. But little more than the fact of their
existence is known; of their character we are ignorant.
In the vicinity of the city of St. Louis formerly existed a very large and
interesting group of works, consisting mainly of a series of mounds so
arranged as to constitute the sides of a parallelogram. These mounds were
generally square or oblong, with level summits. Some were terraced,
bearing a close relationship to those in Mississippi and Louisiana. A few
conical mounds occurred in connection with them, but there was neither
embankment nor ditch. All were situated upon the second terrace.
The most interesting feature of the group is the singular work yet
preserved, denominated the “Falling Garden.” This, as described by James,
consists of a succession of terraces, artificially formed from the bank of the
natural terrace, which is here upwards of fifty feet in height. The lowest of
these terraces is eighty-seven feet broad by one hundred and fourteen long;
the second is fifty-one feet, and the third thirty feet wide. Their slopes are
regular, and the aspect of the structure that of a Mexican teocalli of four
stages.97
Structures of brick are mentioned as occurring both in Missouri and
Arkansas, but their existence is not sufficiently well authenticated. There
are, without doubt, numerous remains scattered over the territory embraced