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.
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: 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]
[Illustration: 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. LONG.[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.
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: 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.
NUMBER 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.”
NUMBER 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.
NUMBER 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.
[Illustration: 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.]
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. MCBRIDE, 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.
NUMBER 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.
MCBRIDE.
NUMBER 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.
NUMBER 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.
NUMBER 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.
NUMBER 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.
[Illustration: 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.]
NUMBER 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 RAFINESQUE MSS.
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]
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]
[Illustration: 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. LYTLE
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. LYTLE, 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. LYTLE, 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.
NUMBER 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.
NUMBER 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.
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: 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:
[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 CHAS. WHITTLESEY, 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. DILLE, 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 CHARLES WHITTLESEY, 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.
HILDRETH 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. JOHN
LOCKE, 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.
HILDRETH, 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 JAMES MCBRIDE, Esq.
[63] From the Survey and Notes of CHARLES WHITTLESEY, Esq.
[64] From the Plan and Notes of CHARLES WHITTLESEY, Esq.
[65] From the Survey and Notes of JAMES MCBRIDE Esq.
[66] From the Survey and Notes of JAMES MCBRIDE 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. ATWATER 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 JAMES MCBRIDE.
[72] The proprietor of this structure, ASHEL AYLESWORTH, 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]