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.

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.

[Illustration: XVI. High Bank Works, Ross Co., Ohio.]

[Illustration: XVII. Hopeton Work, Ross Co. Ohio (four miles north of

Chillicothe).]

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.

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.

[Illustration: 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.

[Illustration: Fig. 9.]

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, 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 HENRY SHRIVER, 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.]

[Illustration: 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.

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.

[Illustration: XX. Ancient Work, Liberty Township, Ross Co. Ohio.

(eight miles S. E. of Chillicothe).]

[Illustration: XXI. Ancient Works, Ross Co. Ohio.]

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]

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 JOHN

WOODBRIDGE, 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]

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.

[Illustration: Fig. 10.]

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 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.

[Illustration: 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.

[Illustration: XXIII.

No. 1. Dunlap’s Works, Ross Co. Ohio.

No. 2. Ancient Works, Athens Co. Ohio.]

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.

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. HILDRETH, 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 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.

[Illustration: Fig. 11.]

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.

[Illustration: XXIV. Ancient Work, Seal Township, Pike Co. Ohio.]

[Illustration: XXV. Newark Works, Licking Co. Ohio.]

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.

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.

[Illustration: Fig. 12.]

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 deep ditches on either hand. Here, covered with the gigantic

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 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 respectively. 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.

[Illustration: Fig. 13.—A GATEWAY OF OCTAGON, LOOKING INWARD.]

[Illustration: Fig. 14.]

[Illustration: Fig. 15.]

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, 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 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]

[Illustration: 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]

[Illustration: 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]

[Illustration: Fig. 17.]

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 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 HARRISON, 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.

[Illustration: XXVII. Portsmouth Works, at the mouth of the Scioto

river.]

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. 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.

[Illustration: Fig. 18.]

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.

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.

[Illustration: 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».