History of Shelby County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 9

Author: R. Sutton & Co.
Publication date: 1883
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 427

USA > Ohio > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 9

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At the west entrance of the Chillicothe road the wall is fourteen feet high, with a base of sixty feet. The south division is naturally impreg- nable to any primitive people, and so the attack must be made against the north division. Should this be carried, protection is still afforded by two crescent walls thrown across the isthmus, with a convex north- · ern face. South of these are two mounds at the narrowest part of the isthmus, while, as a further precaution, on the steep slope of the south- ern portion of the hill, at its approach to the river, three parallel ter- races were constructed, commanding a broad view of the valley in both directions. Over seventy gateways, having a width of from ten to fifteen feet, appear in the embankment, some of which, only could furnish points of ingress and egress, as others faced the precipitous ravines, with made earth thrown out, and must have been intended as outposts for sharp- shooters. The walls are not accompanied by a ditch, but within appear some twenty-four reservoirs, which, taken in connection with the numer- ous springs, would supply sufficient water in any case of siege. At . numerous points are found large quantities of water-worn stone, which must have been carried from the river by prodigious exertion. Near the exterior of the eastern walls of the north division are two large mounds, from which start two parallel walls continuing for a distance of 1350 feet, when they suddenly approach each other and inclose another mound at the eastern extremity. These walls are now almost obliter- ated. Such is an outline description of one of the most interesting monuments of antiquity afforded by the western continent.

Bourneville Fortifications.

In respect to magnitude of area the fortification near Bourneville, twelve miles west of Chillicothe, Ohio, is the largest in the country. It is situated upon a hill about four hundred feet high, having slopes of general abruptness, and washed on two sides by small creeks. Its sum- mit is a broad fertile plain with depressions, some of which contain water during the entire year, and of such extent that one has an area of about two acres. The fortification consists of stone walls, two and a quarter miles in length, inclosing an area of about one hundred and forty acres. The structure has now the appearance of a wall which had fallen outward. Along certain parts of the line are indications of a regularly faced exterior. The wall extends around the hill, a little below the brow, except when it rises to cut off the narrow spurs and to separate the hill from the land beyond. Upon the western face of the hill the wall covers a space varying from thirty to fifty feet in width, and resembles the protection walls along embankments of railroads where they are exposed to the action of water. Along the eastern face the wall is heavier, with a height of four feet, and a base of fifteen or twenty feet. Here the declivity is less abrupt. The isthmus, seven hundred feet wide, affords the easiest access, and so has the heaviest wall. At this point the amount of stone used was so great that, after two farmers had re- moved enough to form a line fence between their lands, the loss was scarcely perceptible. The wall is continuous, except at the gateways and one point of the hill, which is so precipitous as to be inaccessible. Five gateways appear, three of which are on the isthmus. At these the amount of stone is four times greater than elsewhere, constituting large mound-shaped heaps. These heaps exhibit marks of intense heat, which is also exhibited at different points along the wall. Within the inclosure are two stone mounds, bearing the same traces of the action of fire, and are located near the line of wall commanding the greatest extent of country. Fires must have been maintained upon them for long periods, and they undoubtedly served as signals of alarm.

Most of the wall is now covered by gigantic forest trees. It probably averaged about eight feet in height with an equal base, but of course is now in complete ruins, owing to the great lapse of time, its situation upon a disintegrating declivity, and the demolition occasioned by the growth and decay of successive forests. A fort of this description must have been almost impregnable to a primitive race.

Carlisle Fortifications.

One of the most important defensive works is situated about two miles west of Carlisle, Ohio, in Montgomery and Warren counties. An incomplete survey of it was made Sept. 5, 1875, by Messrs. S. H.

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Binkley and C. E. Blossom. Since that date other observations have been made by the antiquarian and author, J. P. Maclean, on whose works we have largely relied as authority on this subject. The work is situated on the summit of a hill a few rods west of Big Twin. The hill is bounded north and south by deep ravines, on the east by a precipitous bluff with a declivity varying from one hundred and twenty-five to two hundred feet. To the east of the bluff is an alluvial terrace leading to the Big Twin.

This terrace is divided into two parts, an upper and a lower, formed in the direction of the stream. On the west the hill is connected with the level by a broad peninsula. The wall is situated on the brow of the hill except on the north side, where it falls a little lower. It is generally constructed of surface material, although limestone is found at the southwestern gate. At the west, at the point of greatest exposure, three lines of wall occur. The entire length on the direct line of the middle wall is 3676 feet, inclosing an area of from twelve to fifteen acres. The length of the wall on the Twin bluff is 1110 feet. The inte- rior is now cultivated, and a growth of corn rendered observations in- complete. Even part of the wall is under cultivation, but the greater portion is covered by a thick undergrowth of briers, while forest trees are still standing at certain points. Within the inclosure are two stone mounds and one stone circle, the latter being near the centre of the in- closure. Some of the older settlers remember this circle to have been about twenty feet in diameter and eight feet high. The amount of stone was so great that, in order to obtain it for building purposes, a road was . cut from the valley to the brow of the hill, and hundreds of wagon loads removed. Of the west walls the exterior one is the heaviest, and is con- structed of clay. This stands at some distance from the middle wall, and incloses a much greater area. The gateway is now an orchard, while a great portion is cultivated fields. On the northeast corner of the work is a graded way of 804 feet leading to the bank of the Twin. At 324 feet this way reaches the terrace or the hill bottom. Here fifty- seven feet of the embankment has been carried away by the encroach- ment of the stream in the north ravine. From the wash the embank- ment is clearly traceable a distance of 297 feet, or within 126 feet of the bank of the Twin. The graded way follows the bank of the stream until within 140 feet of Twin, when it diverges and forms a straight line. Where the way reaches the wall of the inclosure there is a wash through which water passes during a freshet. This was probably a narrow gateway. The purpose of the graded way is only plausibly stated, when it is supposed that on the bluff it was to make the ascent easier, and that along the terrace was constructed while that terrace was & swamp.

On the southeast corner of the fort is another way, leading to the second or river terrace. This was evidently so perfect and so adapted by nature to subserve the purposes of the builders of the fort, that they left it as it was found, being unable to make any improvement upon it. Seven miles to the northeast is the great mound at Miamisburg, while six miles eastward is still another. At Franklin are the remains of a stone dam belonging to the mound epoch. With all these remains inte resting relics are found. Other fortifications occur within the State, but these will serve the purpose of descriptive illustration.

Sacred Inclosures.

Many of the earthworks were not used for military purposes, and have been denominated " sacred inclosures." While the military works are found in localities adapted by nature for strongholds, the sacred struc- tures are situated on river bottoms, seldom occurring on a broken sur- face. These are generally regular in form, and occur either in groups or ranges. The circular works are generally small, having nearly a uni- form diameter of from 250 to 300 feet; while some of the larger ones are over a mile in circumference. They are entered by gateways, usually facing the east.

In the vicinity of large works, small circles varying from 30 to 50 feet in diameter, and consisting of light embankments without gateways, frequently occur. These walls are comparatively slight, ranging from three to seven feet, although sometimes attaining a height of thirty feet.

They are composed of surface material and clay. Many works are accompanied by parallel walls, reaching at times a length of 800 feet. Square, circular, elliptical, octagonal, and parallel walls, sometimes appear in combination.

Newark Works.

The most elaborate and complicated of this class is found at the junc- tion of the South and Raccoon forks of Licking River, near Newark, Ohio. They are located on a plain, at an altitude of about forty feet above the bottom lands, and consist of an extensive series of square, circular, and polygonal inclosures with mounds, ditches, and connecting avenues extending over an area of four square miles. Some of the minor structures are now nearly obliterated. In 1836 Col. Charles Whit- tlesey made a very accurate survey, since which additional observations have been made. At the western point is a true circle 2880 feet in cir- cumference and six feet in height.

On the southwest part of the wall is a feature indicating the com- mencement of parallel walls, which, after reaching a length of 100 feet were abandoned and the opening closed by the erection of a mound 170 feet long and fourteen feet high. This mound overlooks the whole of the works, and has been named the "Observatory." At the northeast part, directly opposite this "observatory," is a gateway leading into an avenue 300 feet long and sixty feet wide, with walls not exceeding four feet in height. This terminates in one of the eight gateways of an octagon inclosing about fifty acres. These gateways are at the angles of the wall, and are each covered by a mound five feet high, eighty to 100 feet base, and standing sixty feet interior to the wall. From the octagon extend three lines of parallel walls, the one towards the south having been traced a distance of two miles. The others, extending easterly, are about a mile in length, and the walls composing all lines are about twenty feet apart. The middle line terminates in a square inclosing twenty aores, with mounds symmetrically disposed within. On the southwest of this wall is a gateway leading into a broad avenue . of dissimilar parts, and constructed without any common relations. Along this avenue, a distance of 1950 feet, is the gateway of an elliptical work whose diameters are 1250 and 1150 feet. The embankment is twelve feet in perpendicular height, fifty feet in base, and has an interior ditch seven feet deep by thirty feet in width. At the gateway the em- bankment is sixteen feet high, with a ditch thirteen feet deep, giving a height from the interior of twenty-nine feet. The gateway is eighty fect wide between the ditches, with a length of 100 feet. In the centre of the inclosure is a remarkable structure in the form of a bird with ex- panded wings. The length of the body is 155 feet, width 68 feet, and a height of seven feet. Length of each wing 110 feet, width at centre 45 feet, at the body 40 feet, while the height is five feet. From tip to tip of wing on a straight line 200 feet. The head points toward the gateway of the inclosure. On opening this effigy it was found to contain an altar. In the rear of the effigy and 100 feet distant is a semicircular embankment 200 feet in length. Returning to the square, we find it connected with an elliptical work, larger than the others, and situated at the northeast corner. Other parallel walls occur, and not less than twenty small circles of eighty feet diameter, accompanied by the ditch and the gateway, which almost invariably opens to the east. There are eleven circles without gateways, five of large dimensions, three of which are 200 feet in diameter, and interior to the ditch have still another em- bankment. The material for the construction of the walls was taken from the immediate vicinity, where the excavations still remain and are usually called "wells." A trench was cut through the "observatory," which revealed the fact of its being constructed entirely of clay. From this it has been concluded it was constructed of adobe, which has crum- bled during the lapse of ages. The large pond has been drained, the land reclaimed, and the Licking Fair grounds are located within the circle containing the eagle effigy. Every feature of material, size, and structure disproves the hypothesis of a military purpose being ascribed to the works. Other works of a similar character occur, particularly in Ross, Pike, Athens, Washington, Scioto, Franklin, Fairfield, Greene, Montgomery, Butler, and Clermont Counties.

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.

Graded Ways.

As already indicated, another class of works are found, called "Graded Ways" or " Avenues" accompanying the inclosures to some number. Their purpose does not clearly appear.

They sometimes ascend from one terrace to another, and again from the river banks to the terrace. One occurs at Marietta, one at Piqua, and another at Richmondale; but the most remarkable is that near Piketon, Pike County, Ohio. It consists of a graded ascent from the second to the third terrace, the level of the latter being seventeen feet above that of the former. The avenue is 1080 feet long, 215 feet wide at the lower, and 203 feet at the upper extremity. The earth is thrown outward on either hand into embankments varying from five to eleven feet in height. At the lower extremity the walls upon the interior are twenty-two feet in perpendicular height. On the third terrace the east- ern line of embankment extends 2580 feet, and terminates near a group of mounds, one of which is thirty feet high, Fifteen hundred feet from the grade another wall starts off from the main line at right angles to a distance of 212 feet, when it assumes a parallel course to the principal line and continues for 420 feet, when it curves inwardly 240 feet, and terminates near a group of mounds. The whole class of sacred works were probably the council houses and amusement grounds, as well as the places of sacred and devotional exeroises. The altars are still found to attest their use for the observance of religious rites.

Mounds.

The temple mounds are regularly formed, generally truncated, and having spiral pathways to the summit. In form they are round, square, oblong, or oval, generally high, although some occur not exceeding a few feet in altitude, while embracing several acres in area. It is proba- ble that temples of wood occupied the summits, although no evidences of such structures remain.

The sacrificial mounds bear several distinguishing features, being constructed by alternate, uniform layers of gravel, earth, and sand. These were surmounted by symmetrical altars of burnt clay or stone, containing relics and deposits which exhibit traces of the action of fire. While the altars are generally of burnt clay, yet a few of stone occur, varying greatly in size, ranging from five to eight feet in width with a height of twenty feet, while in form they were generally round or square. Upon the altars have been found calcined human bones, carvings in stone, ornaments in mica, instruments of copper, tubes, and beads of pearl and shell, spear heads of flint, and various articles of pottery.

Sepulchral mounds are numerous, and usually take the form of the cone, although various other forms are discovered. Rising in altitude from fifteen to twenty-five feet, they invariably inclose a human skele- ton, often quite a number, which are found near the ground surface, although the depth varies to some extent. These remains are generally of the Indian type, and had been enveloped in bark or heavy matting, and placed upon slabs or other material forming the bottom of the tomb. The covering was sometimes a vault of timber or flagstones, the latter often appearing in careless heaps. With the skeletons have been found personal ornaments, including bracelets, perforated plates of copper, and beads of bone, ivory, shell, and metal. While stone imple- ments are quite common, but few weapons are found. Vases of copper have been discovered, although rare in these remains.

Symbolical mounds consist of bass-reliefs formed on the surface of the ground in representation of beasts, birds, reptiles, men, and numerous implements and ornaments. Such works generally occur in groups or ranges.

Anomalous mounds embrace all those which do not admit of classifi- cation, some having features common to all classes, while others have no features of resemblance. In some an altar and sepulchre have been found on the same level, which does not occur with any of the regular classes. Under this class is also placed those structures which were probably used as signal stations. These occupy elevated positions, and have been variously designated as "observatories," "alarm posts," "sig- nal stations," "watch towers," and "out-looks."

In addition to all these classes rude heaps of stone are sometimes found, but as they bear no resemblance to the structures of the mound

builders they have been attributed to a later race, and are undoubtedly the work of the Indians.

The implements and ornaments found in connection with the earth- works or structures are usually of minerals, clay, bones, fossils, and shells.

Spear heads, including lance heads and fishing and hunting spears of various shapes and sizes, are usually of flint, although sometimes of horn- stone. Their names indicate their use.

Runners, knives, axes, hammers, chisels, and pestles are found of ex- quisite workmanship and superior finish, while kettles, jugs, cups, vases, and urns have been unearthed in such forms and of such delicate finish as to indicate something of perfection in the art of pottery. Fine clay was chiefly used in this art, although some of the coarser specimens exhibit an admixture of pulverized quartz, and again of colored mica, which gave a ruddy and somewhat brilliant appearance. These articles were generally ornamented by curved lines or images of birds, beasts, and the human form. The greatest skill was displayed in portraiture upon the stone pipes, some of which, weighing from three to six pounds, exhibit elaborate delineations of various beasts and birds, while a few occur bearing the representation of the human head.

The following engravings represent some of the most interesting im- plements found in this locality.

Fig. 4 is the eut of a stone found in an Indian grave, and was proba- bly buried with the body of its owner.

Fig. 5 represents a red stone pipe, the general appearance of which is excellent and even graceful, being formed of the red pipe stone so highly prized by the Indians. It is beautifully polished, and the whole work- manship displays great skill.

Fig. 6 represents a pipe of the same variety of stone as of Fig. 5, and exhibits the same excellence of workmanship. On one side it bears the rude sketch of & fish.

Fig. 7 represents a combined tomahawk and pipe, but this is probably a French production as it is of steel, and the bowl shows evidence of being turned by a lathe. 1

Figs. 8 and 9 represent different forms of a stone ornament known as a pendant or gorgon, which was probably suspended from the breast or the terminal lobe of the ear. Dr. Abbott says of this ornament: "At

any rate, it was designed for ornament, and not for any other purpose, as has been suggested, such as a fishing-line weight or sinker." The holes in these pendants and other Indian implements have always puz- zled archeologists. One of the authors of the "Ohio Centennial Report on Archaeology" says: " I think we must give up the theory that the various forms of polished slate, perforated at right angles to the face, were used as sizers and twisters of twine or strips of skin. They are all bored with a taper, which leaves a sharp edge either at one end or in the middle of the piece. Those that are more or less worn present the appearance of having been suspended. Thread twisters and sizers were probably made of wood and bone, like the Iroquois shuttles figured by Mr. Schoolcraft. Some of their perforated stone implements somewhat resemble ours in general form. Most of the striped slate relics I am inclined to place among the ornaments, badges, and armor of ancient tribes. Some of them would answer all these purposes. The tapering holes are good contrivances for fastening by thongs of rawhide to a belt, string, or piece of wood. Supposing the head or knot of the thong was let into the bored hole, these plates might be firmly bound to each other, or to the body of the wearer, and the holes not much worn by the process."

Fig. 10 represents a specimen of fine-grained green slate striped with

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HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.

dark bands. It would be difficult to tell the use of this instrument. It is too large for a bead, and can scarcely be considered a badge of authority. Being flattened on one side suggests the possibility of its being used as a whistle. It is classed under the general head of tubes.

Fig. 11 is a representative stone axe, found in nearly every locality in the State. "They are not abundant in the mounds, but are found in large numbers in the valleys. They are fashioned with great skill, of rare and beautiful material, the predominant series being granite. They are found with and without grooves for the adjustment of handles. Those designed to be wielded by both hands have an average weight of ten pounds, although they vary from one to sixteen pounds. The smaller varieties, called hatchets, were used in war as well as for domestic uses. These weigh from one to two pounds, are destitute of grooves, and are of all sizes from two to twelve inches. They also vary greatly in design, some having holes for the reception of handles. They are all, for the most part, polished, and some have been ground and polished with elaborate care."

Fig. 12 is a beautiful specimen, which may be classed under the head of banner stones. In outline, finish, and perforation it is faultless. The hole passing through the centre is a very noticeable feature, and meas- ures less than nine-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. It is circular, of

uniform dimensions from end to end, and faintly exhibits those rings which characterize holes drilled with a hollow instrument.

Fig. 14 represents a second example of this perforated ornament or banner stone. It is shorter and thicker than Fig. 12, but is well made and drilled with the same smoothness and beauty.

Fig. 13 is a partial representation of a very interesting form of banner stone. The portion above the perforation is imaginary, and if the upper portion was made to resemble the lower it would probably be correct, as Dr. Abbott believes the parts to be alike.

"This form of badge, being the most elegant and expensive, was pro- bably used to indicate the highest rank of office. The single crescent probably signified a rank next below the double."

Fig. 15 is a curiously wrought imitation of a bird. The knot-like pro- tuberances, representing eyes, stand out from the head one-eighth of an inch. The bottom of the specimen is flat, and contains three holes ex- tending upward about half way through the body. Its use is not deter- mined. In connection with these many others have been found in this part of the State, but being of the commoner character found almost everywhere, a description would be useless in this connection. Such are arrowheads, rimmers, and various minor instruments of flint, and pes- tles, and mortars of various kinds of stone, variously fashioned in finish, and representing differing degrees of skill.

In sculpture the highest grade of art was reached, for a leading char- acteristic of this class of work is the truthfulness displayed in all the outlines. These are of great value, as their various characters go far to establish an extensive communication over a vast extent of country. It is established that while this people used the skins of animals for clothing to some extent, yet the principal article used was a cloth, coarse but of uniform thread, and woven of a warp and woof. The fragments of re- mains found show it to have been manufactured of material resembling hemp, in which the spinning was regular, as shown by some charred folds taken from mounds near Middletown, Ohio.

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History of Shelby County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 9

Author: R. Sutton & Co. Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Number of Pages: 427

Author: R. Sutton & Co.
Publication date: 1883
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 427