MONUMENTS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES.
We are in possession of very little authentic information respecting
the monuments of the Southern United States.[74] All accounts
concur in representing them as very numerous and extensive, and as
characterized by a regularity unknown, or known but to a limited
degree, amongst those which occur further north, on the Ohio and
its tributaries, and upon the Missouri and Upper Mississippi. This
extraordinary regularity, as well as their usually great dimensions,
have induced many to regard them as the work not only of a different
era, but of a different people. Mounds of several stages, closely
resembling the Mexican «Teocalli» in form and size; broad terraces of
various heights; elevated passages and long avenues, are mentioned
among the varieties of ancient structures which abound from Florida
to Texas. The mounds are often disposed with the utmost system in
respect to each other. Around some of the larger ones, others of
smaller size are placed at regular intervals, and at fixed distances.
Some have spiral pathways leading to their tops, and others possess
graded ascents like those at Marietta.[75]
It is to be observed, however, that while mounds are thus abundant,
enclosures are comparatively few, especially those which seem to be
of a military origin. A few have been noticed in South Carolina, on
the Wateree river, which partake of the character of military works,
and of which some account will shortly be given.
The following plans from original and hitherto unpublished surveys
will serve to illustrate, to a limited degree, the character of a
portion of the Southern remains. [p105]
[Illustration: XXXVII. Ancient Works on the Wateree River, Kershaw
District, South Carolina.]
PLATE XXXVII.
REMAINS ON THE WATEREE RIVER, KERSHAW DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA.
It is unquestionable that the race of the mounds occupied a portion
of the State of South Carolina; and although the traces of their
occupation are far from abundant, they are still sufficiently
numerous to deserve notice. The only reliable information we have
concerning them, is contained in a MS. letter from WILLIAM BLANDING,
M. D., late of Camden, South Carolina, a gentleman distinguished for
his researches in natural history, to SAMUEL GEORGE MORTON, M. D., of
Philadelphia, the eminent author of “«Crania Americana»,” by whose
permission it is embodied in this connection. The observations of
Dr. Blanding were confined to a section of the valley of the Wateree
river, embracing about twenty-five miles in the immediate vicinity of
Camden, and mainly included in the Kershaw district.
“The first monument deserving of notice is ‘Harrison’s Mound’ (A in
the Map). It is the highest in position of any on the river, and is
situated on the west side of the same, in the Fairfield district. It
is about four hundred and eighty feet in circumference at the base,
fifteen feet high, and has a level area one hundred and twenty feet
in circumference at its summit.
“The next relic of antiquity is the ‘Indian Mortar,’ (B in the Map,)
in the Kershaw district. It is a regular bowl-shaped excavation in
a solid block of granite, holding upwards of half a bushel, and is
evidently the work of art. It [p106] was used as a mortar by the
early settlers, and is still devoted to the same purpose. The part of
the rock projecting out of the ground is equivalent to eight or ten
tons.
“Next is an old Indian town or camp near the mouth of Beaver creek
(C in the Map). A little below the mouth of the creek is an old
fortification, of oblong form, consisting of a wall and ditch (D in
the Map). The embankment is now not more than three feet high above
the level of the plain. The ditch is distinct. Nearly opposite this
work, on the west side of the river, are the traces of an old Indian
village, remarkable for its arrow-heads, fragments of pottery, etc.
“Proceeding down the river, we come to a point near the head of the
canal, where the land rises to the extraordinary height of five
hundred feet, forming a long, narrow hill. Upon the point of this
hill nearest the river, stands what is called the ‘Indian Grave’
(F in the Map). It is composed of many tons of small round stones,
weighing from one to four pounds each. The pile is thirty feet long
from east to west, twelve feet broad, and five feet high, so situated
as to command an extensive view of the adjacent country, stretching
as far as Rocky Mount, twenty miles above, and for a long distance
below on the river. It may be suggested that this is the elevated
burial-place of some great chief, or that it was designed as some
sort of an observatory. The Catawba Indians can give no account of
it, nor will they venture a conjecture as to its purposes. A mound,
G, is situated opposite this stone heap, on the other side of the
river. The ‘shoals’ in the immediate vicinity seem to have been a
favorite haunt of the ancient and more recent races. Here to this
day is to be found an abundance of fish and game, and the vicinity
is marked by numerous aboriginal relics. Here also is the highest
boundary of the long-leaved pine, and the limit of the alluvial
region. Below, the river becomes sluggish, and during high water
leaves its banks and spreads over large tracts of land.
“The mound next below, H, was two hundred and fifty feet in
circumference at the base, seventy-five feet at the top, and thirteen
feet high. It was situated about a hundred yards from the river on
lands subject to overflow. Three other small mounds surrounded it.
In 1826 it was levelled, and the material used for manuring the
adjacent lands. A part of the treasures which it contained were
saved, but the rest are scattered or destroyed. The mound presented,
upon excavation, a succession of strata, varying in thickness from
six inches to one foot, from top to base. First vegetable loam,
then human and animal bones, followed by charcoal of reeds, vessels
of clay and fragments of the same, (some holding not more than one
pint,) arrow-heads and stone axes, then earth, etc., alternately. In
one small vessel was found a «tag» or needle made of bone, supposed
to have been used in making dresses. Near it was found the skeleton
of a female, tolerably entire, but which fell in pieces on exposure.
A stratum of dark-colored mould was mixed with these articles;
perhaps decomposed animal matter. The superstructure of the mound was
the alluvial loam, and constituted tolerable manure. It was mixed
with great quantities of mica, some pieces three or four inches
square. Marine shells, much decomposed, were found in this as in
other mounds, mixed with the bones, from top to bottom.
“Descending the river, near Mound creek, we come to a large mound, I,
enclosed [p107] in a circle, and accompanied by a smaller one. It is
perhaps the largest and most perfect on the river. It is five hundred
feet in circumference at the base, two hundred and twenty-five feet
in circumference at the summit, and thirty-four feet high,—slightly
oblong. It is covered with stumps, briars, etc., having recently been
brought under cultivation. In April last, while ploughing over the
small mound, an urn was discovered, a sketch of which is enclosed.
It holds forty-six quarts, or nearly twelve gallons. It had a cover
fitting closely over the body for about six inches; this was broken
by the plough. The vessel was curiously ornamented, and is probably
the largest ever discovered in the valley. It contained a number
of large shell beads, much decomposed, about the size and shape of
nutmegs. It also contained another article of the same material,
about the size of a man’s palm, a quarter of an inch thick, and
carved in open work; probably designed for suspension around the neck
as a badge or ornament. The ditch around this mound is slight.
“Still further down the river, upon the opposite side, and some
distance south of the road from Camden to Columbia, is the most
remarkable ancient work in the valley (O). It is called the ‘Indian
Ditch.’ It occurs at the great bend of the river, and consists of an
embankment and ditch carried across the isthmus, cutting off, and,
with the river, enclosing some hundreds of acres of fine alluvial
land. It is about «one mile in length», and the circuit of the river
from one end to the other is between three and four miles. Twenty-one
years ago, when I first visited it, this ditch was about eight feet
deep and the wall of corresponding dimensions: a primitive forest was
then growing upon its southern portion, but it is now all under the
plough and fast disappearing. The bank is «exterior» to the ditch,
which circumstance seems to conflict with the notion that the work
was constructed for defence. It has been suggested, but with no good
reason, that it was designed for a ‘«cut off»’ or artificial channel
for the river. Whatever its purpose, it was a great undertaking for a
rude or savage people.
“On the opposite side of the river, about two hundred yards below the
mouth of Pine-tree creek, is a group of mounds, surrounded by a low
embankment (J). One of them has been nearly washed away by the river,
and the others have been much reduced by cultivation. The largest is
yet twelve or fifteen feet high, with a very wide base. From these
mounds are disclosed arrow-heads, axes, urns, and other vestiges of
art, accompanied by human bones and the bones of wild animals, and
marine shells, all much decayed. As the water washes away the side
of the mound on its bank, charcoal, urns, bones, etc., in successive
strata, are exposed; as though it had constituted a cemetery,
receiving deposits from time to time, from its commencement to its
completion. The strata vary in thickness from six to eighteen inches,
and are mixed with much mica, sometimes in large plates. It was long
under cultivation in corn, then indigo, and in 1806, when I first saw
it, in cotton, which is still cultivated on it. On the large mound
stood the overseer’s house; around it, on the smaller piles, were the
negro quarters.
“In the bend of the river nearly opposite the south end of the
‘Indian Ditch,’ is a mound, perhaps fifteen feet high (K). Little
is known respecting it, having been for many years the site of an
overseer’s house. I obtained a circular stone, [p108] with concave
sides and finely polished, which had been found here, also two
large urns, one holding twelve, the other twenty quarts, with a
number of other aboriginal relics. At the mouth of Town creek, some
distance below, there was formerly, no doubt, an Indian town or
camp, (L,) judging from the quantity of relics found here. A very
fine description of clay is found at this spot, which is resorted to
by the Catawba Indians every spring and autumn, for the purpose of
manufacturing pottery from it.
“Boykin’s mound (M) is one mile lower down the river upon the same
bank. It is now nearly washed away by the river. Twenty years ago,
when I first saw it, large trees covered it, and it was entire. Four
years afterwards I visited it, when only about one third remained,
which on the side next the river beautifully exhibited the various
strata composing it. It had the usual layers of earth, pottery,
charred reeds, etc. Some few of the vases were entire, containing
fragments of bones, and were well arranged in tiers, one above the
other.
“Last of the series is Nixon’s mound (N). It is much reduced, and
is not now more than ten feet high. From this to the sea I know of
no similar relics. Paint hill and Kirkwood, in the neighborhood of
Pine-tree creek, must have been much frequented, judging from the
numerous relics occurring on and around them; the former for its pure
water, the latter for its fine clay. Hobkirk’s hill, near Camden,
abounds in aboriginal relics. I have procured several large pipes
from these localities, all of which exhibit a skill in workmanship
surpassing that of the present race. The entire section in which the
above remains occur is exceedingly fertile, and capable of sustaining
a large agricultural population.”
PLATE XXXVIII. No. 1.[76]
ANCIENT WORKS ON THE ETOWAH RIVER, ALABAMA.
This work occurs within the present limits of the State of Alabama,
upon the banks of Etowah river, a branch of the Coosa. It is situated
upon an alluvial “bottom,” at an angle or bend of the stream; and
its defences consist of a semi-circular ditch, the flanks of which
rest on the river. This ditch is twenty-five [p109] or thirty
feet in width, by eight feet in depth; and is interrupted by no less
than seven passage-ways, placed at irregular intervals, and formed
by leaving the earth unexcavated at the points where they occur.
It is a remarkable fact that no embankment accompanies the ditch;
although the work is not entirely singular in that respect. Within
the enclosure thus formed by the river on the one hand and the ditch
on the other, are several mounds, one of which is of great size and
extraordinary character. It measures upwards of seventy-five feet
in height, and is twelve hundred feet in circumference at its base.
It is truncated, the area at its summit having a diameter of one
hundred and forty feet. A graded avenue, which may be ascended on
horseback, leads to its top from the east. Upon its northern and
southern sides, at the height of forty feet, are triangular platforms
or terraces, which are also reached by graded ascents from the plain.
The supplementary plan A exhibits the outlines of the monument. Upon
its top, trees are growing, which, at the height of a man’s head from
the ground, measure little under eleven feet in circumference. A
fallen oak measured by Mr. Cornelius in 1818 was found to be, at the
distance of six feet from the branching of the roots, «twelve feet
four inches in circumference», exclusive of the bark. There are two
other truncated mounds, to the south-west of the great mound, but of
less dimensions. One of these has a perpendicular altitude of thirty
feet; and its summit was fortified, with a parapet and palisades, by
the Cherokees in their war with the Creeks. The earth taken from the
ditch above mentioned was probably used in the construction of these
mounds.
[Illustration: XXXVIII. Ancient Works:
No. 1. On the Etowah River, Alabama.
No. 2. Chickasaw Surveys, Lafayette Co. Mississippi.
No. 3. On Clear Creek in Lafayette Co. Mississippi.
No. 4. Prairie Jefferson, Moorhouse Parish, Louisiana.]
[Illustration: Fig. 21.]
An analogous work of some interest, (Fig. 21,) but partially
destroyed by the Tennessee river, upon the bank of which it stands,
occurs near the town of Florence, in Alabama. “It consists of a large
mound, hexagonal in form, truncated, and forty-five feet in height by
four hundred and forty feet in circumference at the base. The level
area at the summit is one hundred and fifty feet in circumference. It
appears to be composed of the ordinary surface loam, and is carried
up with great regularity. So far as it has yet been examined, no
traces of bones or other foreign substances have been discovered.
“Partly surrounding the mound is a wall two hundred and seventy feet
distant from its base, which extends from the main river below, to
a branch formed by Cane island above, constituting a segment of a
circle, the centre of which would be in the Tennessee river. The wall
is about forty feet across the top, and, making allowances for the
ravages of time, must have been originally from twelve to fifteen
feet high; it is now about eight feet in height. The mound and wall
bear the same marks of antiquity, both being covered with large
timber of the same age and description with that found growing on the
surrounding lands. The wall has what appears to be a ditch on the
outside. [p110]
“These works are situated on the river bottom, and are half
surrounded by a very high ridge, which runs parallel to the Tennessee
river, about four hundred yards distant. This ridge, upon which the
principal part of the town of Florence is situated, overlooks and
entirely commands the whole. The mound, with its surrounding wall,
thus situated and exposed to attack, could hardly have been designed
as a place of defence. It must have been appropriated to another
purpose.”[77]
PLATE XXXVIII. Nos. 2 and 3.
These works are specially interesting from the fact that they partake
more of the character of the works in the valley of the Ohio, than
any other southern structures with which we are acquainted. The
accompanying descriptions were furnished by Rev. R. MORRIS, of Mount
Sylvan Academy, Lafayette county, Mississippi; the plans are from
surveys by the same gentleman.
NUMBER 2.—“This work is situated in T. 4 S., R. 7 W., of the
Chickasaw surveys, five miles south-east of the Tallahatchie river.
It occupies a point of high land, overlooking the valley of a small
creek, and consists of a simple embankment of earth, about three feet
in height, with an exterior ditch of corresponding dimensions. It is
a polygon in form, and at first glance appears entirely irregular.
It will be observed, however, that the line «c d» corresponds
in length with «h i», and also that «e f» is exactly equal to
«f h»,—coincidences which could not possibly be accidental. The side
«c s j», fronting on the creek, is not entrenched, being sufficiently
protected by the high bluff bank. There are no interruptions in the
embankment, the ends of which terminate within a short distance of
the bluff on the right, leaving passage-ways fifteen or twenty feet
wide. A ditch, however, extends from «i» to «j», at the south-east
angle; but it is a question whether it was not formed by the water
overflowing the artificial ditch at «i». The angles of this work
are not rounded, but sharp as if newly dug. There are two points,
(indicated by the letter «s» on the plan,) one on a spur of land
within the enclosure, and the other at the extreme point of the
headland on which the work is situated, where there are excavations
from which the earth is thrown up on the outer side. They resemble
short sections of the wall and ditch, and suggest the notion of
sentry posts, or signal or alarm stations.
“Within the work are several low, irregular mounds, all of which are
flat on the top, except «k», which is basin-shaped, the concavity
being about two feet deep by fifteen across. Excavations, at any
point around these mounds, disclose ashes, [p111] charcoal, and
sooty earth; the charcoal is of oak-wood and very bright. Abundant
fragments of the black pottery, glazed inside, and so common in this
region, are found in and around this work. At the time of my visit,
I found several arrow-heads and a wedge-shaped stone. A few years
ago a carved pipe was found here and a piece of heavy metal, which
was tested for gold and afterwards mislaid. Inasmuch, however, as
the Indians lately occupied this ground in great numbers for several
years, these minor relics may be regarded as having pertained to them.
“The bluffs around this work are of extraordinary height for this
region, and the whole position seems well designed for defence.
The regularity and apparent «freshness» of the structure, and its
correspondence, in some striking respects, to our modern system of
defence, almost induce me to ascribe to it an European origin. This
supposition is further favored by the well known fact that Hernando
de Soto passed through here, and probably erected works at various
points.”
NUMBER 3.—“This work is situated on the left bank of Clear creek,
near Mount Sylvan, Lafayette county, Mississippi. It occupies a high
point of land, overlooking the creek bottom; upon the right is a
bluff bank, forty feet high; towards the north the ground is somewhat
broken, and upon the left it slopes gradually to a hollow. There are
no hills or elevated points commanding the work within a mile or
more. The ground within the enclosure is level.
“The structure itself is quadrangular in form, and consists of a
slight embankment of earth, about three feet high by thirty feet
broad at the base, and twelve feet broad on the top. It has no ditch,
exterior or interior to the embankment, although upon «both sides»
there are evidences of the removal of the earth, leaving slight
depressions, as shown in the section. At the gateway G, the original
level of the ground is preserved. Various forest-trees are growing
upon the walls, consisting of black oak and hickory,—some of the
oaks are upwards of eighteen inches in diameter. At the foot of the
bluffs, to the right of the work, are numerous and copious springs of
water.
“There are no mounds within the enclosure; although there are two a
little way outside of the walls, occupying the positions indicated
in the plan.[78] The one nearest the gateway, number 1, has trees
growing upon it, twenty inches in diameter. Fragments of pottery
are scattered in abundance upon and around it. Mound number 2 I
have carefully examined. It is situated upon sloping ground, and is
perhaps one foot high on the upper, and three feet on the lower side,
by twenty feet base. In the centre is a regular concavity one foot
deep and twelve feet across; and in this respect it is different
from any I have elsewhere observed. The first excavation was made
upon the lower side, where were found several [p112] arrows, a
human skeleton, (a mature subject,) and a large quantity, nearly a
half bushel, of coarse pottery. It is of the same kind with that
so abundant in the Clear creek valley, where it would be easy to
fill a cart in a day. None of the vessels were whole; and I may
here remark that I have not been able to recover any of the pottery
entire,—all, not excepting the clay pipes, are invariably broken.
Among the fragments of pottery was found a piece of hard-burned clay,
resembling in form a sweet potato, split longitudinally. The next
excavation was made in the centre or lowest part of the concavity
above mentioned. The removal of the vegetable accumulation disclosed
a layer of yellow clay, four inches thick; beneath which, and nearly
upon the original level of the earth, was found a hard-burned
stratum, perfectly black, and apparently mingled with ashes. It
was with difficulty broken up. Beneath this hearth was a spongy
unstratified mass, in which, to the depth of six inches, were mingled
fragments of earthenware. Beyond this, nothing was discovered. There
were no traces of bones upon the hearth, and but few fragments of
pottery. Large trees are growing upon this mound.
“Mound number 3 is about four feet high, and is situated upon the
creek bottom, not far from the stream. I opened it nearly a year
since. About two feet from the surface was found the skeleton of
a child, much decayed, and unaccompanied by remains of any sort.
A little below the surface was found a stone tool, resembling a
carver’s flesh knife, and a leaden ounce bullet. There is much
pottery upon and around this mound; but little, if any, within it.
It was not thoroughly excavated; but so far as examined there were
discovered no traces of fire,—it being, in this respect, peculiar.
Every other mound which I have investigated has been found to contain
ashes and charcoal.”
Whether either of the works above described had a military origin
is sufficiently doubtful; although the last named has some of the
characteristics of a work of defence. There is nothing, however, in
its position or structure so different from hundreds of other works
as to warrant us in assigning to it a later date or a different
origin. As a military work, it is vastly inferior to many with which
we are acquainted, and its regularity is not sufficiently marked to
entitle it to any special consideration on that account. It clearly
belongs to that great family of remains, of which so many examples
have already been presented. Throughout the entire field of their
occurrence, these maintain certain characteristic features, some of
which are well exhibited in the particular work here mentioned.
Had Hernando de Soto erected one tenth of the works which have been
ascribed to him, in the States bordering the Gulf, in Tennessee, and
even in Kentucky, he must have found ample demands on his time and
exertions. It is most likely, however, that the intervals between
his tedious and toilsome marches were occupied more profitably, if
not less laboriously, than in the erection of vast earth structures
of this description; which, when finished, could not possibly have
served him any useful purpose. His handful of weary followers
probably found in a small stockade of logs a better defence, and one
more obviously within their capabilities of construction.
In addition to the above plans, Mr. Morris has kindly communicated
accounts of several other interesting works; of none of which,
however, he was able to [p113] make surveys. One of these is
situated three miles east of Panola, Mississippi, and closely
resembles No. 3, Plate XXXVIII. It is accompanied by several
remarkable mounds. A few miles south-east of Delta there is a square
enclosure of some twenty acres area. It contains several mounds, one
of which is forty feet in height, truncated, and ascended by a graded
way. Within this enclosure there is also a square excavation, fifteen
feet deep, and one hundred feet in diameter. It is surrounded by a
low embankment of earth, three feet in height.
PLATE XXXVIII. No. 4.
ANCIENT WORKS, PRAIRIE JEFFERSON, LOUISIANA.
This group of ancient works occurs on Prairie Jefferson, Moorhouse
parish, Louisiana. They are minutely described by Prof. C. G.
FORSHEY, in a letter to Prof. Silliman of New Haven, published, with
the accompanying plan, in the American Journal of Science and Arts,
vol. xlix. p. 38. For some interesting facts in addition to this
account, acknowledgment is due to Dr. HARRISON, proprietor of the
plantation upon which these remains are situated.
The works, consisting of a series of mounds and terraces, accompanied
by lines of embankment and by excavations, are found near the
south-western portion of the prairie, and partly in what is now
woodland, though probably at no very remote date free from forests.
The mounds are disposed with some degree of regularity in respect to
each other, and are of the following dimensions:
length, width, height,
feet feet feet
A. base, 180 135 48
A. summit, 51 45
B. summit, 210 75 5
C. base, 132 132 4
D. summit, 120 120 4
E. summit, 60 42 10
length, length, length, length,
feet feet feet feet
front rear wide high
F. on summit, 60 78 42 12
G. on summit, 60 39 51 12
H. on summit, 60 60 54 7
I. on summit, 36 27 45 10
The embankment between E and F is one hundred and thirty-five feet
long, fifteen feet broad at the base, and four high. The embankment
«j k l» is ten hundred and fifty feet long, twelve feet broad and
from one to three feet high.
The great mound E has been denominated “the Temple.” It has a level
area on its summit fifty-one feet long and forty-five broad, which is
reached from the west by the winding graded path X. All its angles
are much rounded; still its four faces are very plainly marked. Since
it has been cleared of trees, several [p114] slides have marred
its symmetry. These slides, as also excavations made in it, have
shown that it consists of a series of strata or tables, one above
the other, each surmounted by a burned surface, resembling rude
bricks. No bones have been found in it. Any extended examination of
its contents is avoided, from a desire to preserve its proportions.
From the summit a good view may be had of the surrounding works and
country.
The mounds which face the “Temple” on the west have great uniformity
of figure and dimensions, and are highest in the rear, except E and
I, which are nearly level on top. E, F, H, and I, have terraces in
front; and all incline gently to the plain, which exhibits marks of
excavation. In the rear and on the sides they are for the most part
very abrupt. The pond in the rear is evidently artificial, and formed
by removing the earth for building purposes. Extending around this
pond are an embankment and ditch, («j k l»,) the latter produced by
the excavation of the earth for the embankment, which seems to have
constituted a sort of levée around the pond to the high grounds at
«j» and «l».
“The mounds C, D have great similarity in their magnitude, form,
and general position in respect to the “Temple;” but situated, as
they are, in cultivated fields, their definite outlines are fast
disappearing. B, however, differs essentially from the other mounds
of the system; it is perfectly level on its summit, of gentle
declivity and moderate height, and has been fitly chosen as the site
of a dwelling-house, which fronts the area surrounded by the mounds.
“The several ponds have outlets for the water at particular points,
which were probably controlled as the mound-builders desired.
The long embankment («m n o») is abruptly cut off at «o», but is
continued again towards «p», diminishing in magnitude as the land
grows higher, until it almost disappears at «s». The swale or low
strip of ground which borders this embankment on the left, continues
up to very near the pond at «s», but has no actual connection with
it. It does not appear that the large pond, within this grand levée,
is artificial. The smaller ones, however, were manifestly produced by
throwing up the earth around them, as at «m n»; «s»; «t u», and «v w».
“The necessity for these artificial ponds is apparent from the fact,
that there are no streams or supplies of water nearer this prairie
than five miles. Hence the excavations, usually made without apparent
design in constructing the mounds, are at this place so economized
as to produce the ponds in the immediate neighborhood. Here the
conformation of the ground, which is gently undulating, rendered it
easy to construct large ponds or lakes, to contain a perennial supply
of water. This has plainly been the object of the extensive levées or
embankments traced in the map. The general inclination of the land is
southward, and the drains in its surface were with some skill called
into aid.”
A similar mode of retaining a supply of water has already been
remarked, in the case of a fortified hill, in Ohio. (See page 15.)
The ancient inhabitants of Central America resorted to the same
method. Their «aguadas», lined with pavements and enclosed by
embankments, are among the most interesting remains of ancient art.
[p115]
[Illustration: XXXIX. Ancient Monuments, Madison Parish, Louisiana.]
PLATE XXXIX.
ANCIENT MONUMENTS, MADISON PARISH, LOUISIANA.
The accompanying plans are from original surveys made by JAMES HOUGH,
Esq., of Hamilton, Ohio, for Mr. MCBRIDE, and may, it is believed, be
relied upon as entirely accurate, in every essential respect.[79]
The group here presented is situated upon the right bank of Walnut
Bayou, in Madison Parish, Louisiana, seven miles from the Mississippi
river. It consists of seven large and regular mounds, and a graded
or elevated road-way half a mile in length. The plan exhibits the
relative positions of the remains and their predominating features,
and obviates the necessity of a particular description, which at best
would be intricate and obscure.
The largest mound of the group, A, is distant two hundred and fifty
yards south from the «bayou», which here extends in a direction
nearly east and west. The principal structure is two hundred and
twenty-five feet long, by one hundred and sixty-five feet broad at
the base, and thirty feet in height. The summit is level, presenting
an area of one hundred and twenty feet long, by seventy-five broad.
On the side next the «bayou» towards the north, at the height of ten
feet, is a terrace ten feet wide and extending the entire length
of the mound. On the south side is a road-way twenty feet wide,
commencing at a point sixty feet from the base of the mound, and
leading with a regular grade to its top. At either end of the mound
is an inclined platform or «apron», seventy-five feet long by sixty
wide. These are six feet in elevation at the point joining the mound,
but decline gradually to three feet at the outer ends, where they
terminate abruptly.
B is a mound similar to the one just described, but less in size. It
is one hundred and eighty feet long, one hundred and twenty broad,
and fifteen high. The level area on the top is one hundred and twenty
feet long and sixty wide. A graded road leads to its summit from the
north. At the east end is an inclined platform, seventy feet long by
sixty broad, eight feet high where it joins the mound, and sloping
to five feet at its outer extremity. At the west end is a similar
elevation one hundred and twenty feet long by sixty broad.
C is a singular work, consisting of a central mound ninety-six feet
square at the base, and ten feet high, with a level area forty-eight
feet square on the top. Connected by elevated terraces with this
mound, are two others of similar construction, [p116] each sixty
feet square and eight feet high. The terraces are forty feet broad,
four high, and one hundred and twenty-five and seventy-five feet long
respectively.
The character and dimensions of the remaining mounds are sufficiently
indicated in the plan. There is however another singular structure
connected with the group, which deserves special notice. It consists
of a terrace extending due west from the principal mound above
described, parallel to the «bayou». It is elevated three feet above
the general level of the plain, and is seventy-five feet wide by
two thousand seven hundred feet in length. Upon either side of this
terrace, and parallel to it, are broad excavations, at present about
three feet deep. These excavations are not far from two thousand
feet long, by from one hundred and fifty to three hundred feet wide.
There are no other perceptible excavations in the vicinity; and it is
reasonable to conclude that most, if not all of the material for the
construction of the works was taken from these points.
The ground occupied by these remains is for the most part under
cultivation. It was originally covered with a heavy growth of the
black walnut, a species of timber scarcely known on the alluvial
lands of the Mississippi, so far south. It was first cleared by a
Mr. Harper, in 1827. Broken pottery is found in abundance around
these monuments; and fragments of human bones, much decomposed, are
observed intermixed with the earth. Upon the mounds, in many places,
the earth is much burned. There are no other remains of magnitude in
the immediate vicinity.
[Illustration: Fig. 22.]
The works here represented, Fig. 22, are situated in Bolivar county,
Mississippi, near Williams’s «bayou» in the Choctaw bend, one mile
and a half from the Mississippi river. They consist of two truncated
pyramidal structures of the character already described, accompanied
by two small conical mounds, the whole surrounded by a circular
embankment of earth, without a ditch, two thousand three hundred
feet in circumference, and four feet high. A gateway opens into the
enclosure from the east. Mound A is one hundred and fifty feet square
at the base, seventy-five feet square on top, and twenty feet high,
with a graded ascent from the east. B is one hundred and thirty-five
feet square at base, fifty feet at top, and fifteen feet high. The
ascent in this instance is from the north. The two small conical
mounds are about thirty feet in diameter, and five feet high. The
sides of the pyramidal structures do not vary two degrees from the
cardinal points [p117] of the compass; a feature not observed in any
of the others above noticed. They all, however, appear to have been
placed with some reference to these points,—probably as near as they
could be located without instruments.
At the junction of the Washita, Tenza, and Catahoola rivers in
Louisiana, is a most remarkable group of ancient remains, of which
no plan has yet been published. They have nevertheless been often
referred to, and are described as consisting of a number of mounds,
some rectangular and others round, embraced within a large enclosure
of not far from two hundred acres area.[80] The principal mound is
said to be circular, four hundred feet in diameter at the base,
ninety feet in height, truncated, and having a level area at its
summit, fifty feet in diameter. The summit is reached by a spiral
pathway, which winds with an easy ascent around the mound, from
its base to its top. This pathway is sufficiently broad to permit
two horsemen to ride abreast. From the summit a wide prospect is
commanded. Here, upon penetrating the earth to a slight depth, strong
traces of fire are visible. The ground upon which the mound stands
is somewhat elevated above the surrounding plain, which is low and
marshy.[81]
The great mound at Seltzertown, near Washington, Mississippi, is one
of very singular construction. It consists of a truncated pyramid six
hundred feet long by about four hundred broad at its base, covering
nearly six acres of ground. Its sides correspond very nearly with the
four cardinal points, its greatest length being from east to west. It
is forty feet in perpendicular height; and is surrounded [p118] by
a ditch at its base, of variable dimensions, but averaging perhaps
ten feet in depth. It is ascended by graded avenues. The area on the
top embraces about four acres. Near each of the ends, and as nearly
as may be in the longitudinal centre of the elevation, is placed
a large conical mound. The one towards the west is represented to
be not far from forty feet in height, and truncated, with a level
area at its summit of thirty feet diameter. The opposite mound is
somewhat less in size, and is also truncated. Eight other mounds are
regularly placed at various points; they are of comparatively small
size, measuring from eight to ten feet in height. The ground here is
considerably broken; and it has been supposed by some, from the fact
that it slopes in every direction from the base of the monument, that
the structure is simply a natural elevation modified and fashioned
into its present form by the hands of man.[82] Human bones have been
exposed by the washing away of the sides of this structure.
The above examples, it is believed, may be taken as very fair
illustrations of the general form and external characteristics of
the Southern monuments. There are no perfect pyramids. With the
exception of a portion, probably the larger portion, of the conical
mounds, which are abundant, but overshadowed by the more remarkable
structures which surround them, «all» appear to be truncated, and to
have, in most instances, graded ascents to their tops. As already
remarked, they do not seem to have been connected with any military
system,—their form and structure, so far as developed, pointing to a
religious origin. Some have been noticed as having parapets raised
on their summits, as if to protect the area in case of assault; and
hence it has been concluded that the larger elevations were “forts”
or citadels. This feature was observed in many of the Teocalli
of the Mexicans. It is possible that they may have been designed
secondarily for defence. That the Mexicans fought with the greatest
determination around the bases of their temples, from their terraces
and their summits, we have abundant evidence in the records of the
conquerors. However well these elevations may have served for places
of retreat in case of sudden attack, it is obvious that they were
in no wise adapted to resist anything like a regular siege or a
continued investment. The absence of sources for procuring water,
and the narrow compass to which the besieged must necessarily be
limited, seem sufficient in themselves to [p119] successfully combat
this hypothesis. The defensive works on the Ohio, on the contrary,
possess all the requisites for resisting an enemy and for sustaining
a protracted defence.
We must seek therefore in the contents, as well as in the form and
position of these works, for the secret of their origin and purposes.
And it is at this stage of our inquiry, that the lack of a systematic
and extended investigation, conducted on philosophical principles,
is most sensibly felt. Some of these structures, it is stated, where
their formation is disclosed by slides or the wasting action of the
rivers, exhibit alternate layers or «platforms» of earth and burned
clay, from base to summit. Others are represented as having alternate
layers of earth and human bones in various stages of decomposition.
And others still, we are assured, have various horizontal strata of
earth and sand, upon which are deposited at various points human
remains, implements, pottery, and ornaments. Many of the remains of
art exhibit great skill in their construction, more especially the
pottery and articles of similar composition. The conical mounds, so
far as we are informed, have many features in common with those of a
higher latitude. How far the coincidences between them may be traced
can only be settled by future inquiries.
From what has been presented above, it will readily be seen that it
is impossible, with our present limited knowledge concerning them,
to form anything like a determinate or satisfactory conclusion
respecting the numerous and remarkable remains of the South. The
immense mounds that abound there may be vast sepulchres in which
the remains of generations were deposited; they may have been the
temples and “high places” of a superstitious people, where rites
were celebrated and sacrifices performed; or, they may have answered
as the places of last resort, where, when pursued by foes, the
ancient people fled to receive the support of their gods and to
defend the altars of their religion. Perhaps all of these purposes
were subserved by them. What significance may attach to their form;
whether there exists any dependence between their exterior features
and their contents; the dates of the different deposits found in
them; indeed, whatever of design and system which these works may
have possessed, and how far they may serve to reflect light upon the
character and customs of the people who built them, their religion,
their modes of burial, and their arts,—«all» remain to be determined
by careful and systematic investigation, conducted with a view to
develop facts rather than to excite wonder. Such an investigation
must also finally determine whether these are the remains of the same
people whose works are scattered through the more northern States,
and whether they were probably contemporaneous in their origin;
and, if the works are of the same people, and not contemporaneous,
whether the course of migration was southward or the reverse; whether
the less imposing structures of the Ohio are the remains of a ruder
and more warlike but progressive people, or the weaker efforts of
a colony, pressed by foes and surrounded by difficulties. It may
disclose the curious and important fact, that upon the Ohio and
Mississippi first originated those elements which afterwards, in a
regular course of progress, developed themselves in the gorgeous
semi-civilization of Mexico and Peru. Or it may, on the contrary,
make known the no less interesting fact, that from these centres
radiated colonies, which sustained [p120] themselves for a period,
and finally disappeared, leaving perhaps only a few modified remnants
in the region bordering upon the Gulf.
* * * * *
Subsequent to the preparation of the foregoing pages for the press,
and at too late a date to permit the introduction, in another
connection, of the facts it embodies relating to the aboriginal
monuments of the South, a manuscript work on the Southern Indians, by
WILLIAM BARTRAM, was placed in the hands of the investigators, by Dr.
Morton, of Philadelphia. The character and history of this MS. have
been sufficiently explained in the Preface, to which the reader is
referred.
As already observed, it relates principally to the manners, customs,
government, and religion of the Muscogulges and other southern Indian
tribes; but it also embraces many interesting and important facts
respecting the remains under consideration. Taken in connection with
those presented by the same author in his “Travels in North America,”
they serve very much to explain the character and illustrate the
secondary if not the primary purposes to which the southern monuments
were applied. The accompanying illustrations are reduced fac-similes
of Bartram’s original pen sketches. In introducing them he observes,
in language somewhat quaint but forcible:
“The following rough drawings of the ancient Indian monuments,
consisting of public buildings, areas, vestiges of towns, etc., will
serve to illustrate what I have elsewhere said respecting them. They
are, to the best of my remembrance, as near the truth as I could
express. However, if I have in any respect erred, I hope my mistakes
may be corrected by the observations of future and more accurate
and industrious travellers. But as time changes the face of things,
I wish they could be searched out and faithfully recorded, before
the devastations of artificial refinements, ambition, and avarice,
totally deface these simple and most ancient remains of the American
aborigines.”
“CHUNK YARDS.—The ‘Chunk Yards’ of the Muscogulges or Creeks are
rectangular areas, generally occupying the centre of the town. The
Public Square and Rotunda, or Great Winter Council House, stand at
the two opposite corners of them. They are generally very extensive,
especially in the large, old towns: some of them are from six hundred
to nine hundred feet in length, and of proportionate breadth. The
area is exactly level and sunk two, sometimes three, feet below the
banks or terraces surrounding them, which are occasionally two in
number, one behind and above the other, and composed of the earth
taken from the area at the time of its formation. These banks or
terraces serve the purpose of seats for spectators. In the centre of
this yard or area, there is a low, circular mound or eminence, in
the middle of which stands erect the ‘Chunk Pole,’ which is a high
obelisk or four-square pillar declining upwards to an obtuse point.
This is of wood, the heart or inward resinous part of a sound pine
tree, which is very [p121] durable. It is generally from thirty to
forty feet in height, and to the top is fastened some object which
serves as a mark to shoot at, with arrows or the rifle, at certain
appointed times. Near each corner of one end of the yard, stands
erect a less pole or pillar, about twelve feet high, called a ‘Slave
Post,’ for the reason that to them are bound the captives condemned
to be burnt. These posts are usually decorated with the scalps of
slain enemies, suspended by strings from the top. They are often
crowned with the white dry skull of an enemy.
“It thus appears that this area is designed for a public place of
exhibition, for shows, games, etc. Formerly, there is little doubt,
most barbarous and tragical scenes were enacted within them, such as
the torturing and burning of captives, who were here forced to run
the gauntlet, bruised and beaten with sticks and burning chunks of
wood. The Indians do not now practise these cruelties; but there are
some old traders who have witnessed them in former times. I inquired
of these traders for what reason these areas were called ‘«Chunk
Yards»;’ they were in general ignorant, yet, for the most part,
concurred in a lame story that it originated in the circumstance of
their having been places of torture, and that the name was but an
interpretation of the Indian term designating them.
“I observed none of these yards in use in any of the Cherokee towns;
and where I have mentioned them, in the Cherokee country, it must
be understood that I saw only the remains or vestiges of them among
the ruins of ancient towns. In the existing Cherokee towns which I
visited, although there were ancient mounds and signs of the yard
adjoining, yet the yard was either built upon or turned into a garden
plat, or otherwise appropriated. Indeed I am convinced that the Chunk
Yards now or lately in use among the Creeks are of very ancient date,
and not the work of the present Indians; although they are now kept
in repair by them, being swept very clean every day, and the poles
kept up and decorated in the manner I have described.
“The following plan, (Fig. 23,) will illustrate the form and
character of these yards.
[Illustration: Fig. 23.]
“A. The great area, surrounded by terraces or banks.
“B. A circular eminence, at one end of the yard, commonly nine or
ten feet higher than the ground round about. Upon this mound stands
the great «Rotunda», «Hot House», or «Winter Council House» of the
present Creeks. It was probably designed and used by the ancients who
constructed it, for the same purpose.
“C. A square terrace or eminence, about the same height with the
circular one just described, occupying a position at the other end of
the yard. Upon this stands the «Public Square».
“The banks enclosing the yard are indicated by the letters «b b b b»;
«c» indicates the ‘«Chunk Pole»,’ and «d d» the ‘«Slave Posts».’
[p122]
“Sometimes the square, instead of being open at the ends, as shown in
the plan, is closed upon all sides by the banks. In the lately built
or new Creek towns, they do not raise a mound for the foundation of
their rotundas or public squares. The yard, however, is retained, and
the public buildings occupy nearly the same position in respect to
it. They also retain the central obelisk and the slave posts.
“In the Cherokee country, all over Carolina and the northern and
eastern parts of Georgia, wherever the ruins of ancient Indian
towns appear, we see always, besides these remains, one last,
conical, pointed mound. To mounds of this kind I refer, when I speak
of «pyramidal mounds». To the south and west of the Altamaha, I
observed none of these, in any part of the Muscogulge country, but
always flat circular or square structures. The vast mounds upon
the St. John’s, Alachua, and Musquito rivers, differ from those
among the Cherokees, with respect to their adjuncts and appendages,
particularly in respect to the great highway or avenue, sunk below
the common level of the earth, extending from them, and terminating
either in a vast savannah or natural plain, or an artificial pond or
lake. A remarkable example occurs at Mount Royal, from whence opens a
glorious view of Lake George and its environs.
[Illustration: Fig. 24.]
[Illustration: Fig. 25.]
“Fig. 24 exhibits a view of the great mound last referred to. Fig.
25 is a plan of the same structure with its accompanying avenue,
which leads off to an artificial lake or pond, on the verge of an
expansive savannah or natural meadow. A, the mound, about forty feet
in perpendicular height; B, the highway leading from the mound in
a straight line to the pond C, about half a mile distant. What may
have been the motive for making this pond I cannot conjecture, since
the mound and other vestiges of the ancient town are situated close
on the banks of the river St. Juan.[83] It could not therefore be
for the conveniency of water. Perhaps they raised the mound with
the earth taken out of the pond. The sketch of this mound also
illustrates the character of the mounds in the Cherokee country; but
the last have not the highway or avenue, and are always accompanied
by vast square terraces [p123] placed upon one side or the other. On
the other hand, we never see the square terraces accompanying the
high mounds of East Florida.”
From the above quotations it appears that, less than one century ago,
a portion of the monuments of the South were in actual use by the
Indians. It will be observed, however, that our authority ascribes
their construction to an anterior race and assigns to them a high
antiquity. In his Travels he remarks that the region in which they
are most abundant, lying between the Savannah and Ockmulgee rivers
on the east and west, and between the sea-coast on the south and
the Apalachian mountains on the north, was occupied subsequently
to the arrival of Europeans, by the Cherokees, who were afterwards
dispossessed by the Creeks; that “all this country was probably, many
ages preceding the Cherokee invasion, inhabited by a single nation
or confederacy governed by common laws, possessing like customs, and
speaking the same language, but so ancient that neither the Creeks
nor the Cherokees, nor the nations they conquered, could render any
account by whom or for what purposes these monuments were erected.”
He nevertheless inclines to the belief, and not without reason, that
the uses to which these structures were appropriated, by the existing
Indian tribes, were not widely different from those for which they
were originally constructed. Upon this point he adds: “The mounds
and large areas adjoining them seem to have been raised in part for
ornament and recreation, and likewise to serve some other public
purpose, since they are always so situated as to command the most
extensive prospect over the country adjacent. The square terraces may
have served as the foundations of fortresses; and perhaps the great
pyramidal mounds answered the purpose of look-outs, or were high
places for sacrifice.”[84]
Whatever date or origin we may ascribe to these monuments, we cannot
overlook the singular attachment to the square and the circle
exhibited by the Creeks in the public edifices known to have been
constructed by themselves. That these forms had some significance
at the outset can hardly be doubted, although their perpetuation
may have depended upon custom. The circumstance that the eternal
fire was only maintained in the circular structure, designated by
Bartram as the “Rotunda,” goes far to support the conclusion that
its form was symbolical, and referred to the sun. That these tribes
were sun worshippers is well known: the inferences drawn from analogy
are therefore sustained by collateral facts. In their less imposing
structures, may we not discern the type of the great circles and
squares of Ohio,—the traces of a system of idolatry which has dotted
the valleys of the West with giant temples, symbolizing in their form
the nature of the worship to which they were dedicated?
FOOTNOTES:
[74] The inability to add very largely to our stock of information
respecting the monuments of the Southern United States, is less a
matter of regret, since it is ascertained that Dr. M. W. DICKESON of
Philadelphia, whose researches in natural science have created no
little interest, has devoted much of his time to their investigation.
His inquiries have been conducted on a large scale, and will serve to
reflect much new light upon our antiquities. It is to be hoped the
public will soon be put in possession of the results of his labors.
[75] Most of the accounts of the monuments of the South met with in
various works, treating directly or incidentally of our antiquities,
are derived from Bartram, whose animated descriptions of those which
fell under his notice are not always easily recognised, in the
various forms under which they are presented. Near the conclusion of
his work, he sums up his observations in this department as follows:
“The pyramidal hills or artificial mounds, and high ways or avenues
leading from them to artificial lakes or ponds, vast tetragon
terraces, ‘chunk yards,’ and obelisks or pillars of wood, are the
only monuments of labor, ingenuity and magnificence, that I have seen
worthy of notice or remark. The region lying between the Savannah
river and Ockmulgee, east and west, and from the sea-coast to the
Cherokee or Apalachian mountains, north and south, is the most
remarkable for these high conical hills, tetragon terraces, etc.
This region was possessed by the Cherokees since the arrival of the
Europeans, but they were afterwards dispossessed by the Muscogulges;
and all that country was probably many ages preceding the Cherokee
invasion inhabited by one nation or confederacy, who were ruled by
the same system of laws, customs, and language, but so ancient that
the Cherokees, Creeks, or the nation they conquered, could render no
account for what purposes these monuments were raised. The mounts
and cubical yards adjoining them seem to have been raised in part
for ornament and recreation, and likewise to serve for some other
public purpose, since they are always so situated as to command the
most extensive prospect over the country adjacent. The tetragon
terraces seem to be the foundations of fortresses; and perhaps the
great pyramidal mounts served the purposes of look-out towers and
high places for sacrifice. The sunken area called by white traders
the ‘chunk yard’ very likely served the same conveniency that it has
been appropriated to by the more modern and even present nations of
Indians, that is, the place where they burnt or otherwise tortured
their captives that were condemned to die; as the area is surrounded
by a bank, and sometimes two of them, one behind and above the other,
as seats to accommodate the spectators at such tragical scenes, as
well as at the exhibition of shows, dances, and games. From the river
St. Juan’s, southwardly to the point of the peninsula of Florida,
are to be seen high pyramidal mounts, with spacious and extensive
avenues, leading from them out of the town, to an artificial lake
or pond of water: these were evidently designed for ornament or
monuments of magnificence to perpetuate the power and grandeur of the
nation; and not inconsiderable neither, for they exhibit scenes of
power and grandeur, and must have been public edifices.”—«Travels in
North America», p. 518.
[76] From the Rafinesque MSS. The scale on which the plan is drawn
is not given. It is probably about five hundred feet to the inch. An
account of this work, substantially the same with that given by Prof.
RAFINESQUE, was published by Mr. E. CORNELIUS, in Silliman’s Journal,
vol. i. p. 223. Mr. Cornelius was accompanied in his visit by several
Indian chiefs, who, he says, “gazed upon the remains with as much
curiosity as any white man. I inquired,” continues Mr. C., “of the
oldest chief, if the natives had any tradition concerning them; to
which he answered in the negative. I then requested each to say what
he supposed was their origin. Neither could tell; but all agreed in
saying, ‘They were never put up by our people.’”
[77] Western Messenger.
[78] The notices of these mounds, although falling with more
propriety within the scope of the chapter on “«Mounds»,” can hardly
be omitted from the above connection. It will shortly be seen that
the mound first described (number 2 of the plan) probably belongs
to the class of altar or sacrificial mounds, or those which were
connected with the superstitions of the builders. The human remains
found in that, as in mound number 3, were, most likely, deposited
subsequent to their erection. It is not impossible that the mound
last named is of a later date than those upon the higher ground.
[79] The perfect regularity which the plans exhibit, it will readily
be understood, does not actually exist. The angles of all these
structures are more or less rounded. The predominant features,
nevertheless,—the terraces, platforms, and graded ways,—are truly
represented. All of these works seem to have been originally moulded
with the utmost care, and possessed the highest degree of regularity
of which the materials were capable. They were undoubtedly faced with
turf, which seems better than solid masonry to resist the ravages of
time and the elements.
[80] Stoddard, in his History of Louisiana, p. 349, gives an account
of some works near the junction of the Washita, Acatahoola, and
Tenza, probably the very ones in question. His account is subjoined:
“Not less than five remarkable mounts are situated near the junction
of the Washita, Acatahoola, and Tenza, in an alluvial soil. They are
all enclosed in an embankment, or wall of earth, at this time ten
feet high, which contains about two hundred acres of land. Four of
these mounds are nearly of equal dimensions, about twenty feet high,
one hundred broad, and three hundred long. The fifth seems to have
been designed for a tower or turret; the base of it covers an acre of
ground; it rises by two stages or steps; its circumference gradually
diminishes as it ascends; its summit is crowned by a flattened cone.
By admeasurement the height of this tower is found to be eighty feet.
Perhaps these works were designed in part for defence, and in part
for the reception of the dead.”
There is a slight discrepancy in the dimensions of these works, as
given by Prof. Rafinesque and Mr. Stoddard. Both agree, however,
respecting their vast size, and general character.
[81] This monument is not singular. Mounds with spiral pathways are
frequent at the South, and are occasionally found at the North.
Bartram describes one on the Savannah river in Georgia:—“These
wonderful labors of the ancients stand in a level plain near the bank
of the river. They consist of conical mounds of earth and four square
terraces, etc. The great mound is in form of a cone, about forty or
fifty feet high, and the circumference of its base is two or three
hundred yards; it is entirely composed of the loamy rich earth of the
low grounds; the top or apex is flat; a spiral path or track leading
from the ground up to the top is still visible: there appear four
niches excavated out of the sides of this hill, at different heights
from the base, fronting the four cardinal points; these niches or
sentry-boxes are entered into from the winding path, and seem to have
been meant for resting-places or look-outs.”—«Bartram’s Travels in N.
America», p. 323.
The «niches» here mentioned have been occasionally observed in
Mississippi and Louisiana, placed at right angles in respect to
each other, and not always, though sometimes, corresponding to the
cardinal points. It has been suggested that they were designed as
recesses for idols, or places where altars were erected. It seems
likely that proper investigation would throw light upon this point.
[82] Breckenridge’s View of Louisiana, «Appendix». Mr. J. R.
BARTLETT, in a recent Memoir on the “Progress of Ethnology,”
presents, on the authority of Dr. M. W. DICKESON, some new facts
respecting this mound. “On digging into it, vast quantities of human
skeletons were found; also numerous specimens of pottery, including
vases filled with pigments, ashes, ornaments, etc. The north side
of the mound is supported by a wall of «sun-dried bricks», two feet
thick, filled with grass, rushes, and leaves. A shaft has been
sunk in the mound to the depth of forty-two feet, without reaching
the original soil.” Dr. DICKESON also mentions angular tumuli, the
corners of which “were quite perfect, formed of large bricks, bearing
the impression of the human hand.” We have the same authority for
the fact that the great enclosure at the “Trinity” in Louisiana,
which contains one hundred and fifty acres, “is partially faced with
sun-dried bricks.” Also that ditches and ponds are sometimes found,
in the same State, “lined at the bottom and sides with bricks.” These
bricks are stated to be from sixteen to eighteen inches in length,
and of proportionate breadth.
[83] The remains here described are referred to in Bartram’s
published travels as follows: “They are situated upon an eminence,
near the banks of the lake, and command an extensive and charming
prospect of the waters, islands, east and west shores of the lake,
the capes, the bay, and Mount Royal; and to the south the view is in
like manner infinite, where the skies and waters seem to unite. On
the site of this ancient town stands a very pompous Indian mount, or
conical pyramid of earth, from which runs in a straight line a grand
avenue or Indian highway through a magnificent grove of magnolias,
live oaks, palms, and orange trees, terminating at the verge of a
large green level savannah.”—«Travels». p. 101.
[84] Travels in North America, p. 518.
[p124]