CHAPTER IV. 



MONUMENTS OF THE SOUTHERN STATES. 



We are in possession of very little authentic information respecting the monu- 

 ments of the Southern United States.* 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 path- 

 ways leading to their tops, and others possess graded ascents like those at 



Marietta.t 



It is to be observed, however, that while mounds arc 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 Avhich 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The following plans from original and hitherto unpublished surveys will serve 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. 



* 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 Philadelijhia, 

 whose researches in natural science have created no little interest, has devoted mucli of his time to their 

 investigation. His incjuines have been conducted on a large scale, and will serve to reflect much new 

 light upon our anti([uities. It is to be hoped the public will soon be put in possession of the results of 

 his labors. 



f 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 Bartrara, 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 : 



"Tiie 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 monu- 

 ments of labor, ingenuity and magnificence, that I have seen worthy of notice or remark. Tlie region 

 lyino- between the Savannah river and Ockmulgee. east and we.st, and from the sea-coast to the f'herokeo or 



