MONUMENTS OF THE NORTH-WEST.
It has already been observed that the ancient monuments of the
Southern United States, although partaking of the general character
of those of the central region, are nevertheless in many respects
peculiar. While enclosures are comparatively few, mounds are
abundant and of great size and symmetry, and possess a regularity
of arrangement which we look for in vain among the corresponding
structures of a higher latitude. Proceeding to the North and
North-west, we find the earthworks assuming a new form and character,
in many respects so unlike those both of the central and southern
divisions of the country, that we are almost induced to assign them
a different origin. As at the South, there are few enclosures or
works of defence; but, instead of regular pyramidal structures, the
mounds generally assume the shape of animals, presenting a thousand
singular forms and combinations. These effigies are situated upon the
undulating prairies and level plains, and are accompanied by conical
mounds and occasional lines of embankment; but the latter, except in
a very few instances, have no obvious design, and enter into none of
the combinations which we notice in the works of the Ohio valley. The
interesting field occupied by these remains has not fallen within
the range of the investigations of the authors, who are therefore
unable to present much that is new respecting them; still, it will be
necessary to embody the facts thus far disclosed in a general manner,
in order to an adequate comprehension of the scope and character of
our antiquities. And here, at the outset, we have again to regret the
small amount of information respecting these works in possession of
the public, as well as its unsatisfactory nature, resulting from the
necessarily limited and disconnected observations of those who have
paid any attention to the subject. These observations have been made
by men of inquiring minds, in the scanty intervals of professional
business, and are consequently too detached to justify or sustain
any general conclusions. They have served rather to excite than to
gratify curiosity, and in this way they may have the good effect of
leading to a full and careful survey of the entire field.
The first public notice of the existence of these singular relics
at the North-west, was made by RICHARD C. TAYLOR, Esq., in the
“American Journal of Science and Art,” for the month of April,
1838. His paper, which was accompanied by several illustrations,
attracted considerable attention, and was followed, in the same
Journal for 1843, by a more extended account, very well illustrated,
from the hand of S. TAYLOR, Esq. A later notice by Prof. JOHN LOCKE
constituted a short chapter in the “Report on the Mineral Lands
of the United [p125] States,” presented to Congress in 1840 and
published in 1844. These, with a few unsatisfactory notices in the
public prints, comprise the only sources of information which we
possess; and from them the following facts are mainly derived.
The field in which these remains occur, so far as observed by
the above authorities, is embraced within the lower counties of
Wisconsin, and extends from Prairie du Chien on the Mississippi, by
the way of the Wisconsin and Rock rivers, eastward towards Fond du
Lac on Lake Winnebago, and Milwaukie on Lake Michigan. The country
thus indicated is about one hundred and fifty miles in length by
fifty in width. The great Indian trail or “war path,” from Lake
Michigan near Milwaukie to the Mississippi above Prairie du Chien,
which has for the most part been adopted as the route of the United
States military road, passes through this chain of earthworks. They
are found in abundance by the sides of this great natural pathway,
which has been for ages and must for ever remain the route of
communication between the Great Lakes and the Great River. They occur
principally in the vicinity of the large water-courses, observing
in this respect a marked conformity with the remains of other
sections, and are invariably placed above the influence of freshets
or inundations. Like those of the Ohio valley, they are seldom found
upon hilly or sterile lands, but mainly upon the rich undulating
plains, or on the levels corresponding to the alluvions of the Ohio.
They consist of elevations of earth, of diversified outline and
various size, for the most part constituting effigies of beasts,
birds, reptiles, and of the human form; but often circular,
quadrangular, and of oblong shape. The circular or conical tumuli
differ from those scattered over the whole country in no outward
respect, excepting that they are much smaller in their average
dimensions; the largest seldom exceeding fifteen feet in height.
Those in the form of parallelograms are sometimes upwards of five
hundred feet in length, seldom less than one hundred; but in height
they bear no proportion to their otherwise great dimensions, and may
probably be better designated as walls, embankments, or terraces,
than mounds. These works are seldom isolated, but generally occur in
groups or ranges, sometimes, though not always, placed with apparent
design in respect to each other. In these groups may be observed
every variety of form,—the circular, quadrangular, and animal-shaped
structures occurring in such connection with each other as to fully
justify the belief that they are of contemporaneous origin. At first
glance, these remains are said to resemble the sites or ground-plans
and foundation-lines of buildings; and it is not until their entire
outline is taken into view, that the impression of an effigy becomes
decided. This is not surprising, in view of the fact that they are
usually of inconsiderable height, varying from one to four feet; in a
few cases, however, rising as high as six feet. Their outlines are,
nevertheless, represented to be distinctly defined in all cases where
they occupy favorable positions. Their small altitude should cause no
doubt of the fidelity of the representations which have been made of
these figures; since a regular elevation of six inches can be readily
traced upon the level prairies and “bottom-lands” of the West,
especially when it is covered with turf. The following illustrations,
selected from those presented by the authorities above mentioned,
will serve to explain the character of [p126] these remains. It
is to be regretted that explanatory sections do not accompany the
plans, so as to exhibit, at one view, the altitude as well as general
outlines and dimensions of the figures.
PLATE XL.
ANCIENT MONUMENTS, DADE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
This group of mounds is figured and described from actual survey,
by Mr. R. C. TAYLOR.[85] It occurs about eighteen miles west of the
“Four Lakes,” and seven miles east of the “Blue Mounds,” in Dade
county, Wisconsin. It is situated on the Great Indian Trail already
noticed, and consists; as will be observed, of effigies of six
quadrupeds, six mounds in the form of parallelograms, one circular
tumulus, one effigy of the human figure, and a small circle. The
area comprehended in the map is something less than half a mile in
length. The dimensions of the figures and their relative positions
are indicated in the plan. It is not easy to make out, from the
effigies, the character of the animals intended to be represented. It
has been suggested that they were designed to represent the buffalo,
which formerly abounded in the vicinity; but the absence of a tail
and of the characteristic hump of that animal would seem to point
to a different conclusion. They display a closer resemblance to the
bear than to any other animal with which we are acquainted. These
figures seem to be most prevalent; and, though preserving about the
same relative proportions, vary in size from ninety to one hundred
and twenty feet. In many other places, as at this point, they occur
in ranges, one after the other at irregular intervals. In the midst
of this group is the representation of a human figure, placed with
its head towards the west, and having its arms and legs extended. Its
length is one hundred and twenty-five feet, and it is one hundred
and forty feet from the extremity of one arm to that of the other.
The body is thirty feet in breadth, the head twenty-five feet in
diameter, and its elevation considerably greater than that of most of
the others, being not much less than six feet. The human figure is
not uncommon among the effigies, and is always characterized by the
extraordinary and unnatural length of its arms. The conical mound in
the centre of this group is the most elevated work, and commands a
view of the entire series. These works are situated upon a high open
prairie, on the dividing ridge between the waters of the Rock and
Wisconsin rivers. Half a mile westward of this remarkable group, and
on the same elevated prairie, occurs a solitary mound, about ninety
feet in length, representing an animal in all respects like those
just described, but lying with its head towards the south-west. [p127]
[Illustration: XL. Ancient Monuments Seven Miles East of the Blue
Mounds, Dade Co. Wisconsin.]
[Illustration: XLI.
No. 1. Group of Works 10 Miles West of Madison, Dade Co. Wisconsin.
No. 2. Group of Works 8 Miles East of the Blue Mounds, Dade Co.
Wisconsin.
No. 3. Enlarged Plan of Mound A, Group No. 1, on This Plate, Showing
the Method of Survey.]
“Along the space of twenty miles from this position,” observes Mr. R.
S. Taylor, “extending to the Four Lakes eastward, similar monuments,
intermixed with plain tumuli, are seen at almost every mile, in the
lowest situations as well as crowning the highest swells of the
prairies; and they are still more numerous all around those beautiful
but almost unknown lakes. It would be a ceaseless repetition of
similar forms to figure many of these.”
PLATE XLI.
ANCIENT WORKS, DADE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.
NUMBER 1.—This group is figured both by Mr. R. C. TAYLOR and Prof.
LOCKE, whose plans agree with great exactness. It occurs ten miles
west of Madison, Dade county, Wisconsin. The old Indian trail, now
the military road, runs between the nose of one animal and the tail
of the other. They lie on the borders of an undulating prairie, at
the edge of the woodland, upon a gentle slope. A short distance (five
hundred or six hundred feet) to the west of them is a natural swell
of ground, with an artificial circular tumulus on the top of it,
overlooking the two figures. No. 3 on the same Plate illustrates the
method of survey adopted by Prof. Locke, and also gives an enlarged
plan of the more perfect figure of the group.[86] These effigies are
the favorite resort of badgers, which, finding them raised and dry,
have selected them for their burrows. Mr. Taylor suggests that these
figures were intended to represent the fox. Prof. Locke, on the other
hand, remarks that “they have an expression of agility and fleetness,
and may have been intended to represent the cougar or American tiger,
an animal still existing in that region.”
NUMBER 2.—This group of works closely resembles that last described.
One of the effigies (C) was opened by Prof. Locke. “It was composed
of sand without any change to mark the original surface, although it
is now overgrown with grass and covered with a thin black mould. The
whole of the descent near the bottom of which the figure lies, has
evidently been formed from the disintegration of the sandstone bluff
contiguous; and at the time of the formation of this tumulus, it was
most probably destitute of loam at this point, as it now is at a
point nearer [p128] the bluff. A section of the embankment, near the
gap, exhibited a thin line of loam, even with what might be supposed
to have been the surface of the ground. Alluvial stratification is
positive proof that a formation is not artificial; but the absence of
a base of mould is not proof of the same thing, for the surface of
the earth may have been removed before the erection of the mound. In
examining the tumuli of Wisconsin, I did not at any place discover
a ditch or cavity from which the earth to construct them had been
taken. They are uniformly raised from a smooth surface, always above
inundation, and guarded from temporary currents produced by showers.
The backs of the effigies are uniformly placed up hill.”
PLATE XLII.
NUMBER 1.—This group of works is sufficiently well explained by
the Plate itself. It is situated about two miles from the group
last described, on the road to Madison. The large figure in the
supplementary plan is about two thousand feet south-west of the
embankment represented in the plan. “It appears to be solitary;
lies on a low, level ground; and seems to be mutilated. If intended
to represent an animal, the head is evidently too large, and the
attitude stiff and rectangular.”
NUMBER 2.—This singular group of works is situated upon section
two, township eight, near the north bank of Wisconsin river, one
and a half miles west of the principal meridian, Richland county,
Wisconsin. It is minutely described by Mr. S. TAYLOR. The figures
composing the group are so arranged as to constitute a sort of
enclosure of about half an acre area, which Mr. Taylor terms the
“citadel.” The ground is here prominent; to the north, south,
and west of the embankments it has a graded descent; to the east
it spreads into a broad plateau, upon which, as well as to the
southward, are numerous other embankments of various forms and
dimensions. From the top of the principal mound, occupying the centre
of the group, and within four hundred yards to the westward, may
be seen at least a hundred elevations similar to those forming the
boundaries of the “citadel.” “The elevation of these embankments
generally is no more than «thirty inches», and of the lesser mounds
twenty inches, while the altitude of the large mound overlooking the
whole group is ten feet. Exterior to the group, upon the east and
north-east sides, excavations from which the earth had been removed
are plainly indicated; and it was here, no doubt, that a portion of
the material composing the structures was obtained. Notwithstanding
the rank growth of vegetation upon these works, and the probability
that they have been much reduced from their original height, the
angles and terminations are quite visible. Near the north-east part
of the group, part of the embankment appears to have been destroyed.”
[p129]
[Illustration: XLII.
No. 1. Group of Remains, Ten Miles East of the Blue Mounds, Dade Co.
Wisconsin.
No. 2. Group of Works, North Bank of Wisconsin River, Richland Co.
Wisconsin.]
[Illustration: XLIII. Ancient Works
No. 1. Grant Co. Wisconson.
Nos. 2–13. Various Localities.]
The supplementary section, A, exhibits the excavation made by Mr.
Taylor in the large central mound. “A shaft was sunk about midway
from the top to the bottom of the mound. At the depth of eight feet
the original sod was reached; it here assumes a different appearance
from that which it possesses at the exposed surface, is hard and
compact, resembling what is technically denominated ‘hard pan,’
caused perhaps by the pressure of the superincumbent earth. The
mound is composed of ferruginous sand; and as it is free from any
admixture, and is destitute of any appearance of stratification,
it must have been built at one time, and not by contributions at
intervals. The original sod is here about six inches thick; beneath
it is the regular stratification of the plain. A shaft was carried
along the original level for the space of fourteen feet, and some
distance beyond the centre of the mound; but no remains of any kind
were discovered.”
PLATE XLIII.
NUMBER 1.—This interesting group of remains is situated in the
village of Muscoda, (English Prairie,) Grant county, Wisconsin. It
is described as follows, by Mr. S. TAYLOR: “The late cultivation
of these grounds has in a measure obliterated these works, many of
them being in the streets and commons; and the village in its future
increase may destroy them entirely. In the group are three figures in
the form of a cross [bird?]; in the centre of the largest of them is
a depression, perhaps caused by an Indian «caché». The outlines of
the various figures are easily traced, although their elevation at
this time does not exceed thirty inches. From the excavations around
many of them, it is apparent that they must have been constructed
with materials obtained adjacent to them. Some of these mounds
however seem to have successfully resisted the abrasions of time;
those towards the south-western portion of the group are six feet
in height. The distance, from one to the other of the group here
represented, is about four hundred and sixty yards. The site is a
beautiful arenaceous loam, free from trees and shrubbery, so that a
view of the entire group is commanded from the summit of some of the
more prominent mounds. Human bones have been found in many of these.”
NUMBER 2 is situated on the north-east part of Sec. 35 N., and is
within a mile of the Wisconsin river. It occupies an eminence, and
is the centre of a group of mounds, fifteen in number, extending
the distance of three hundred yards, and placed at intervals of
about twenty-five feet apart. “It appears to have been originally
constructed as represented by the dotted lines, having at those
points an elevation of about three feet. Additional earth seems then
to have been heaped upon the head and breast, elevating those points
to the height of six feet.” [p130]
NUMBER 3 occurs about a mile to the westward of group No. 1, just
described. “It represents a human figure having two heads, which
gracefully recline over the shoulders. It is well preserved. The
arms are disproportionately long; their full length is not exhibited
in the plan for want of room. The various parts of the figure
are gracefully rounded; the stomach and breast are full and well
proportioned. DIMENSIONS.—«Widths»: from one arm-pit over the breast
to the other, twenty-five feet; over arm at shoulders, twelve, and
tapering to four feet at the extremities; over hips, twenty; over
legs, near the body, eight, and tapering to five; over figure above
the shoulders, fifteen; over each neck, eight; over the heads,
ten. «Lengths»: of body, fifty feet; arms, one hundred and thirty;
neck and heads, fifteen. «Elevations»: of breast, shoulders, and
abdomen, thirty-six inches; arms at the junction of the shoulders,
same height, diminishing towards their extremities to ten inches;
the thighs near the trunk are twenty, at the feet but ten inches in
height.”
NUMBER 4 lies about four miles west of the village of Muscoda. It may
have been intended to represent a bird, a bow and arrow, or the human
figure. In the forest near this work are extensive groups of ancient
monuments.
NUMBER 5 is situated on the Wisconsin river, east of the fourth
principal meridian. The length of this figure is one hundred and
fifty feet; elevation three feet. Mr. S. Taylor suggests that it is
intended to represent the frog; it approaches nearer the form of a
turtle. There are other works of a similar shape near by; also some
in the form of a cross, mammillary mounds, and parallelograms.
NUMBER 6 occurs near group No. 1 of this plate. “It seems to have
been intended to represent some fleet animal. It is one hundred feet
in length, and eighteen inches high.”
NUMBER 7 is found not far from that last described, and is supposed
by Mr. Taylor to represent the turtle. It is seventy-six feet in
length, and its greatest height is thirty inches. It is a common
figure in Wisconsin.
NUMBER 8 was situated in Richland county, Wisconsin. Mr. Taylor
thinks it was intended to represent a bear. It was fifty-six feet
long, and twenty inches high. It has lately been destroyed by the
passage of a road over it.
NUMBER 9 occurs in the vicinity of No. 2, and is the terminating
figure of the series of which that is the centre. Earthworks of this
form are common in Richland county.
NUMBER 10, near Blue river, English Prairie; length eighty-four feet,
height six feet; supposed to represent a bear.
NUMBER 11 is found near No. 4. It is very perfect in outline;
seventy-nine [p131] feet long, and twenty-four broad. “Throughout
this region,” observes Mr. S. Taylor, “embankments of this form are
very numerous: some have two parallel projections from the back
of the head; in the present case they seem to be so blended as to
represent but one.”
[Illustration: XLIV. Ancient Work
No. 1. On Rock River, Wisconsin.
Nos. 2–8. Various Localities.]
NUMBER 12, one mile from the English Prairie, represents, according
to Mr. S. Taylor, “a species of mounds which, under various
modifications, are very numerous, comprising about one fifth of the
embossed works of the region in which it occurs. The elevation of the
figure, as well as of the group of which it forms a part, is about
four feet. Between the base of the trunk and the southern wing, is a
mound twenty-one feet in diameter, and five feet high.” Supposed to
represent a bird with wings partially expanded.
NUMBER 13, designated the “horned bird” by Mr. Taylor, is situated in
the county of Grant, upon S. 16, T. 8, R. 1, W., where an extensive
group of several hundreds may be seen.
PLATE XLIV.
NUMBER 1.—The only enclosure in Wisconsin at all resembling those of
a lower latitude, or which seems to partake of a defensive character,
is situated upon the west branch of Rock river, township seven, of
range fourteen east, in the Milwaukie land district. It is known as
the city or ruins of Aztalan. Several brief notices of this work have
appeared in the public prints; the only account, however, which is
at all satisfactory, was communicated, together with an illustrative
map, by Mr. S. Taylor, to the American Journal of Science and Arts,
in 1843.
This work, although possessing several features peculiar to itself,
has others closely resembling those that characterize the works
bordering the Gulf. It is described as situated in a beautiful
rolling country, conveniently interspersed with timber, and watered
by Rock river and its tributaries. It is said to consist of a “brick
wall” five feet high by twenty-five feet base, enclosing an area of
twenty acres, and having the general outline of an oblong square.
Upon three sides the wall is interrupted, at intervals of from two
to five rods, by «bastions» of the same height as the main wall, and
extending seventeen feet beyond it. The inner wall, extending along
the bank of the river, is much lighter than those upon the remaining
sides, and is destitute of the singular feature last mentioned.
Within this enclosure are a number of truncated pyramids, forty or
fifty feet square upon the top, and between fifteen and twenty in
height. Two of these are connected with each other by an elevated
way, after the manner of some of the Mississippi and Louisiana
structures. (See Plate XXXIX.) Two parallel ways or embankments are
carried longitudinally, nearly the whole length of the enclosure.
Several [p132] conical mounds are mentioned in the description
as occurring within the enclosure, but do not appear in the plan.
Quite a number occur just exterior to the walls, some of which are
represented to be of large size. Covering the south-west angle is a
crescent-form work of considerable extent, which also has bastions
at intervals throughout its length. A cellar and stairway within
one of the square mounds, and a subterranean passage «arched with
stone», are mentioned as existing here; but they lack confirmation
and deserve little credit.
The walls, which are described as being built of «brick», are
composed of clay, probably burned on the spot. Whether they are
burned throughout, has not yet been ascertained, and can only be
determined by removing a section of the wall. It will doubtless be
found that the burning is superficial, resulting from the combustion
of some wooden superstructure, or from design. We shall be warranted
in ascribing the use of burned bricks to the race which built these
works, only upon the most conclusive evidence, and such we do not
at present possess.[87] The walls of many of the enclosures in the
Scioto valley appear to have been slightly burned. (See page 28.)
The plan of the work presented by Mr. Taylor is palpably an imperfect
one. No gateways or entrances are represented, nor is the scale upon
which the work is laid down exhibited,—omissions which would not be
likely to occur in a plan made after accurate survey. A complete map
and description of this work, such as its singular character merits,
is a desideratum.
This is the only work with projections partaking of the character
of bastions, which has fallen under notice, and is in this respect
remarkable.
That these projections were designed to subserve the purposes to
which bastions are applied in modern fortification is not clear.
The object of the bastion is to enfilade the wall of the defence,
so as to preclude an enemy from approaching it or carrying on his
operations under its shelter. Hence they are placed at such intervals
as may easily be swept or commanded by the weapons in use; the
distance of a bow-shot apart would therefore be adequate to all the
purposes for which their erection is required. So far from this being
the case in the work under notice, it appears that they are placed at
the short intervals of from thirty to eighty feet. This circumstance,
though not conclusive on the point, would seem to indicate that they
were not constructed for the purpose which we should be apt at first
glance to assign to them.
NUMBER 2.—“Among the various works of antiquity in this region,”
observes Mr. S. Taylor, “those in the form of men are numerous. This
figure forms one of an extensive series of these works, of various
shapes, situated upon S. 35, T. 9, R. 1, W. of 4th M., in the margin
of a forest, and is covered with large trees. It is truly a giant,
measuring from the extremity of one arm to that of the other, [p133]
two hundred and seventy-nine feet, and from the top of the head to
the end of the trunk, one hundred and eleven feet. Its shoulders,
head, and breast, are elevated four feet. In the centre of the breast
is quite a depression, probably once used as a place of concealment
for provisions by the French, called a «caché». About a mile to the
north of this figure is another of human shape and like magnitude,
accompanied by a large group of works. Among them is a large mound
two hundred feet in circumference, and fifteen in height.”
NUMBER 3.—This group occurs upon the English Prairie, within the
limits of Iowa county, Wisconsin. “In the vicinity of these are
many other figures of various forms and dimensions. To the eastward
commences a series of mammillary mounds, varying from one to two and
a half feet in height. They are beautifully and with much regularity
arranged at intervals, and extend to the distance of about fifteen
hundred feet, terminating abruptly in a mound eighteen feet in
height, and two hundred and twenty-five in circumference. To the
north and south of the figures, and parallel with them, are numerous
embankments with passage-ways through them.”
NUMBER 4.—This group is also situated in the vicinity of English
Prairie. But half of the figures are represented; the remainder are
of the same forms, supposed to represent birds.
NUMBER 5.—“The site of this remarkable work is upon an eminence, near
Eagle Mills, Richland county, Wisconsin. It seems to be a combination
of two figures, one representing the buffalo, perhaps, and the other
a man. Immediately to the south-west, and within twenty feet of the
head of this figure, commences a series of mounds, mostly conical.”
NUMBER 6 is near Blue river, English Prairie. Its outlines are very
distinct; probably designed to represent the otter or a lizard.
Figures of the kind are quite common.
NUMBER 7 is in the village of Muscoda, county of Grant. Its length is
two hundred and sixty-four feet; height thirty inches.
[Illustration: Fig. 26.]
There are many rectangular and some circular figures in addition to
the animal-shaped effigies of which so many examples have been given.
Fig. 26 represents the manner in which they are often combined. This
example is from the great group on the English Prairie. Individual
figures might be multiplied, but enough have been presented to
convey a general idea of the character of these singular monuments.
A complete survey of the field of their occurrence might disclose a
dependence between the various groups, and go far towards explaining
the mystery of their origin and purposes. [p134]
Some of these mounds have been excavated and found to contain human
remains in all parts, while the excavations in others have been
attended with no such developments. Those examined by Prof. Locke
and Mr. S. Taylor revealed no deposits. Mr. R. C. Taylor mentions
that twelve mounds, near Red Bank on the Fox river, were opened in
1837, and found to contain human bones in a very advanced stage of
decomposition. One of the mounds was an animal-shaped structure,
one hundred and fifty feet in length. The position of the skeletons
indicated that the bodies had been placed upon the original
surface previous to being heaped over. There were no appearances
of excavation beneath the surface in any of the interments. It may
be suggested that the human remains found in these mounds were
deposited by the existing tribes of Indians, a suggestion which
derives great force from the fact that both the Messrs. Taylor concur
in representing that many of the Indians to this day bury in these
structures, conceiving that they were originally designed for that
purpose, although they possess no tradition respecting their origin.
Some of the Indians, on the other hand, express the belief that the
mounds in the form of animals were made by the “«Great Manitou»,” and
are indicative of a plentiful supply of game in the world of spirits.
At any rate, they are regarded with reverence by all the Indians, and
are never disturbed by them, except for purposes of sepulture.
Proceeding upon the assumption that they were designed as
burial-places, Mr. R. C. Taylor ingeniously suggests that their
forms were intended to designate the cemeteries of the respective
tribes or families to which they belonged: thus, the tribe, clan, or
family possessing as its characteristic «totem», blazon, or emblem,
the Bear, constructed the burial-place of its members in the form of
that animal; the clans having the Panther, Turtle, Eagle, or other
animal or object for their «totems», respectively conforming to the
same practice. Upon this hypothesis we can readily conceive the
ancient inhabitant to have possessed the same anxiety to be buried
in his family tomb which we see exhibited at this day, among our own
people, “to rest in the sepulchres of their fathers.” Mr. Taylor
discreetly remarks, however, that there is no evidence to show that
any existing tribes of Indians ever erected such monuments, but that,
on the contrary, they acknowledge the profoundest ignorance of their
origin. He advances the suggestion only as a plausible conjecture, in
the absence of any satisfactory solution of the problem, which still
remains unsolved.
What significance may attach to the fact that they occur mainly
on the great lines of traverse between the Mississippi and Lake
Michigan, or to the further fact that most if not all of these groups
have one or more conical mounds so placed as to command a view of
the remainder, it is not undertaken to say.[88] That similar works
are found in the central and western portions of Michigan, as [p135]
well as in Wisconsin, we have the assurance of witnesses whose
statements are entitled to full credit. Whether they are identical
with those noticed above is unknown; their character remains to be
ascertained.[89] The few animal effigies found in Ohio, and of which
an account has already been given, seem to have few features in
common with those of the North-west, and probably, in their purposes,
admit of less doubt. We cannot venture to assign a similar origin to
the latter,—certainly not, until we are in possession of more facts
concerning them, whereon to base our conclusions.
The absence of enclosures, or works of defence, (such as are found in
great numbers in the Ohio valley,) in connection with these animal
effigies, has been noticed in a preceding page. It appears that the
effigies themselves, accompanied by short, low lines of embankment,
are sometimes so arranged as nearly to enclose certain areas; whether
the arrangement resulted from design or accident is not however very
apparent.
Such is the extent of our knowledge respecting the monuments of
Wisconsin. Carver mentions earthworks in the vicinity of Lake
Pepin; and it is reasonable to conclude that they are scattered,
in greater or less profusion, over the intervening territory. Of
this, however, we are still uninformed. It would be an interesting
point to determine the range of the mound effigies, and whether they
merge gradually into the works of a lower latitude, or whether they
occupy an exclusive field, and possess characteristics sufficiently
striking to warrant us in ascribing them to a different race or era.
Their purposes, in our present state of information concerning them,
do not seem to be satisfactorily settled: it is still a matter of
doubt whether they are sepulchral in their origin, connected with
the superstitions of their builders, or erected as the monuments and
memorials of migrations and events unrecorded by the pen of history.
Certain it is that they are now invaded by a busy population,
careless alike of their origin and of their future fate, before whose
encroachments they are rapidly disappearing. Already the plough has
broken in upon the outlines and symmetry of hundreds, and unless the
present favorable moment is seized upon to secure their accurate
admeasurement and delineation, these embossed illustrations of our
ancient history will be obliterated forever. It is impossible to
estimate their value in the elucidation of the grand ethnological
problems involved in the past history of our country, until their
extent and dependencies as well as their general character are better
understood.
In the State of Missouri, and especially in the country lying
between the Missouri and Arkansas rivers, various singular remains
are represented to exist, which differ materially from those that
have been noticed in the preceding pages. [p136] These are said to
consist of the ruins of towns, sometimes of great size, regularly
laid out, in streets and squares. Dr. BECK mentions one of these
ruined towns in Gasconade county, (probably now falling within the
county of Crawford, erected out of Gasconade,) in which the sites
of houses, possessing foundations of stone, are distinctly visible.
Stone walls are said to occur in some parts of the area, covered by
heaps of earth.[90] The same author describes several works of stone
displaying, in his estimation, great architectural skill, which occur
on Osage river and Buffalo creek, one of its tributaries. One said to
exist on Noyer’s creek, near the town of Louisiana, Pike county, has
been particularly noticed. “It presents the dilapidated remains of
a building constructed of rough, unhewn stones, fifty-six feet long
and twenty-two broad, embracing several divisions and chambers. The
walls are from two to five feet high. Eighty rods eastward of this
structure is found a smaller one, of similar construction. The narrow
apartments are said to be arched with stone, one course overlapping
the other, after the manner of the edifices of Central America.”[91]
Nothing of this character has been observed elsewhere, and it is
extremely probable that there is some mistake in the matter. If
works answering to this description really exist, at the points
mentioned, they deserve the careful attention of the archæologist.
It is suspected that they will not bear a rigid scrutiny, such as
is required to a proper substantiation. Our authority observes,
that “these remains form a class of antiquities entirely distinct
from the walled towns, fortifications, barriers, or mounds; and
that the regularity and other peculiarities of structure which they
display, favor the conclusion that they are the remains of a race
different from those who erected the former, and who were familiar
with the rules of architecture, and perhaps with a perfect system of
warfare.”[92]
I. DILLE, Esq., of Newark, Ohio, in a communication addressed to
the authors, presents the following facts respecting the remains
of Missouri, which cannot fail to prove interesting in this
connection: “I have been much interested in a singular kind of
antiquities found in the State of Missouri. They have been mentioned,
but not described, by various writers. They consist of small
tumuli, generally raised about twelve or eighteen inches above the
surface, and have the general form of an ellipse, measuring usually
twenty-five by eighteen feet. They are very numerous, particularly
upon the head waters of the St. Francis river, and are always near
streams and water-courses. I have dug into several, but never
succeeded in finding anything except coals and a few pieces of rude
pottery. Hence I have concluded they are the remains of mud-houses.
They are always arranged in straight lines, with broad streets
intervening between them, crossing each other [p137] at right angles.
In different villages their distance apart varies, but is generally
uniform in the same group. Sometimes they are as near as ten paces
to each other, while in other instances they are separated twenty or
thirty paces. These ruined villages are numerous in the vicinity of
Mine la Motte.[93] The town of Frederickton stands upon one of these
sites. I have noticed in them the usual prerogative of power,—the
largest houses are always nearest the water, and the smallest most
distant. It would appear that the selection of the site was governed
by the convenience of water alone; the principals taking the nearest
position to the stream. I have counted upwards of two hundred of
these mounds in a single group. Arrow-heads of jasper and agate, and
axes of sienite and porphyry, have been found in these vicinities. No
other remains of a remarkable character have, so far as I am aware,
been discovered.”[94]
It may be conjectured, that the remains here mentioned are the traces
of Indian villages. The Mandans, Minatarees, and some other tribes,
built their huts of earth, resting on a framework of wood. Previous
to their erection, however, the soil was excavated to the depth of
about two feet, and the ruins of their towns are designated rather by
depressions than elevations. It is also well known that their lodges
were grouped without regularity, and close together, with just enough
room between them to permit of moving about.[95] The sites of most of
the Indian towns are only indicated by the graves in their vicinity,
and by the bones and fragments of rude pottery scattered over the
surface.
Besides these remains, there are numerous others in the valley of
the Missouri, bearing a close resemblance to those upon the Ohio
and its branches. Lewis and Clarke describe a very extensive series
of works, one thousand miles up the Missouri, embracing an area of
about four hundred acres. It is situated upon a peninsula formed by
a bend of the river, and consists of two long walls, from six to
fifteen feet in height, and from seventy-five to one hundred feet
broad at the [p138] base, one of which is six thousand feet long
and extends across the isthmus, the other runs along the bank of
the stream. The extremity of one of the long walls terminates in a
species of citadel, of semi-circular shape, which has horn-works
and curtains defending the gateways, and also protected ways to the
river. Here are a number of mounds and excavations similar, in all
respects, to those characterizing the defensive works generally. This
work is not entire, having evidently been greatly encroached upon by
the river, which is constantly undermining the elevated terrace upon
which it stands. Still beyond this point, upon the Platte, Kanzas,
and the numerous other tributaries of the Missouri, many large and
interesting works are said to occur.[96] They have been remarked high
up the streams, in the valleys overlooked by the Rocky Mountains.
But little more than the fact of their existence is known; of their
character we are ignorant.
In the vicinity of the city of St. Louis formerly existed a
very large and interesting group of works, consisting mainly of
a series of mounds so arranged as to constitute the sides of a
parallelogram. These mounds were generally square or oblong, with
level summits. Some were terraced, bearing a close relationship to
those in Mississippi and Louisiana. A few conical mounds occurred in
connection with them, but there was neither embankment nor ditch. All
were situated upon the second terrace.
The most interesting feature of the group is the singular work yet
preserved, denominated the “Falling Garden.” This, as described by
James, consists of a succession of terraces, artificially formed from
the bank of the natural terrace, which is here upwards of fifty feet
in height. The lowest of these terraces is eighty-seven feet broad by
one hundred and fourteen long; the second is fifty-one feet, and the
third thirty feet wide. Their slopes are regular, and the aspect of
the structure that of a Mexican teocalli of four stages.[97]
Structures of brick are mentioned as occurring both in Missouri and
Arkansas, but their existence is not sufficiently well authenticated.
There are, without doubt, numerous remains scattered over the
territory embraced in Arkansas, Texas, and New Mexico; and it is not
impossible that their investigation would result in developing the
fact that there is a gradual transition, from the earthworks of the
Mississippi to the more imposing structures of brick and stone of
Mexico and Central America.[98]
[Illustration: XLV. Great Mound at Marietta, Ohio.]
FOOTNOTES:
[85] From Silliman’s Journal of Science and Art, vol. xxxiv. p. 91.
[86] The measurements of this figure are given by Prof. Locke as
follows, in feet and inches. «Triangles»: Eye to shoulder, 23 feet;
shoulder to foot, 29,4; fore foot to eye, 37,8; eye to nose, 20,4;
nose to shoulder, 35,10; eye to point half way between the ears,
11,0; shoulder to same point, 24,10; shoulder to hip, 38,4; fore foot
to hip, 57,0; shoulder to hind foot, 47,8; hind foot to hip, 28,10;
hip to tip of tail, 38; hind foot to tip of tail, 41,6. «Diameters»:
Of neck, 13; fore leg, 11; body, 14,7; hind leg, 9,9; tail, 8.
«Distances»: Eye to front, 7,6; ear to ear, 14; shoulder to armpit,
9,9; shoulder to back, 8,4; hip to rump, 7; hip to flank, 9,7; hip to
insertion of tail, 7,6; length of throat, 12 feet.
[87] The authors have the assurance of a gentleman for some time
connected with the Milwaukie Land Office, and who is every way
qualified to judge in the matter, that the walls are of clay,
probably only superficially burned, and possess no indications of
having been composed of bricks. The representations to the contrary
have probably been the result of misapprehension.
[88] “The choice, in selecting the sites of these monuments of
ancient days, appears to have been influenced mainly by their
contiguity to the lakes and principal rivers, and to those great
lines of interior communication, which, from an unknown period,
traversed this country. * * * These mounds are almost invariably
contiguous to Indian paths, whose narrow but deeply-worn tracks
attest their extreme antiquity and long use.”—«R. C. Taylor.»
[89] No accurate account of them has yet been published; and it
is, consequently, uncertain whether any bear the form of animals.
They are rather vaguely described as low elevations of considerable
extent and well defined outline, somewhat resembling garden beds.
Mr. Schoolcraft speaks of these remains as existing in considerable
numbers on the Elkhart, St. Joseph’s, Kalamazoo, and Grand rivers.
According to the same authority, no large tumuli or «Teocalli» occur
in connection with them. Similar monuments, it will be observed, are
found in the State of Missouri.
[90] Beck’s Gazetteer of Missouri, p. 234.
[91] Ibid. p. 306.
[92] Dr. BECK also mentions another stone work, described to him by
Gen. Ashley, as situated upon a high cliff on the west side of the
Gasconade river, from whence it commands an extensive prospect. It
is represented to be from twenty-five to thirty feet square; and,
although in ruins, exhibits an uncommon degree of regularity. From
the monument leads a devious path, extending down the cliff to the
entrance of a cave, in which was found a quantity of ashes.
[93] Remains, similar to those here described, are abundant in
Peru, where they indicate the sites of ancient towns and cities.
The streets are always easily traced, and cross each other at right
angles with great regularity. “The sites of the houses or huts are
generally marked by heaps of earth; though in some instances the
walls of the larger structures remain, in part, standing. These walls
are represented to be three feet in thickness. Some of these towns
are enclosed by fortifications, which have now crumbled down so as
to present the simple appearance of earth embankments. The remains
of one of these ancient towns, occurring midway between Truxillo and
Huanchuco, cover several miles in extent.”—«Proctor.»
[94] It is probable the remains here described are similar to those
observed by Lewis and Clarke, on the Missouri, some distance above
the mouth of the Platte. “At ten miles above our encampment, we
examined a curious collection of graves or mounds, on the south side
of the river. Not far from a low piece of land and a pond, is a tract
about two hundred acres in extent, which is covered with mounds of
various shapes and sizes: some of sand, and some of both earth and
sand; the largest being nearest the river. These mounds indicate the
position of the ancient village of the Ottoes, before they retired to
the protection of the Pawnees.”—«Lewis and Clark», p. 26.
[95] Catlin’s North American Indians, vol. i. p. 82; Breckenridge’s
Voyage up the Missouri, (Views of Louisiana,) p. 248. “Imagine you
see a heap of cabins without order or design, some like cart houses,
others like tubs, built of bark, supported by posts, sometimes
plastered on the outside with mud in a coarse manner; in a word built
with less art, neatness, and solidity, than the cabins of the beaver;
and you have an Indian village.”—«Charlevoix’s Travels in Canada»,
vol. ii. p. 127.
[96] Lewis and Clarke, p. 48.
[97] Views of Louisiana, p. 189; James, Expedition to Rocky
Mountains, vol. i. p. 314.
[98] “The distance from the large mounds on the Red river to those in
New Spain is not so great, but that they may be regarded as existing
within the same country.”—«Breckenridge».
[p139]