56 A N C I E N T M N U M E N T S . 



PLATE XX.* 



ANCIENT WORK, LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, ROSS COUNTY, OHIO. 



This work is a very fair type of a singular series occurring in the Scioto valley, — 

 all of which have the same figures in combination, although occupying different posi- 

 tions with respect to each other, viz. a square and two circles. These figures are 

 not only accurate squares and perfect circles, but are in most cases of corresponding 

 dimensions, — that is to say, the sides of each of the squares are each ten hundred 

 and eighty feet in length ; and the diameter of each of the large and small circles, a 

 fraction over seventeen hundred and eight hundred feet, respectively. Such were 

 the results of surveys made at different times, the measurements of which correspond 

 within a few feet. Although in the progress of investigation singular coincidences 

 were observed between these works, yet there was at the time no suspicion of the 

 identity which subsequent comparison has shown to exist. 



The first of the series here represented, is situated on the east bank of the 

 Scioto river, and occupies the third bottom or terrace. The ground upon which it 

 occurs is level. The walls of the entire work are unaccompanied by a ditch, and 

 are shght, nowhere more than four feet in height. The embankment of the square 

 is perceptibly heavier than that of the small circle, which is also heavier than that of 

 the larger one. The square work measures ten hundred and eighty feet upon each 

 side ; and its walls are interrupted at the corners and at the middle of each side, by 

 gateways thirty feet in width. The central gateways are each covered by a small 

 mound, of about the same height with the embankment, and placed forty feet interior 

 to it. The manner in which the circular works are connected with the square 

 enclosure, and the relative position of each, are accurately shown in the plan, 

 precluding the necessity of a long and intricate description. It will be observed, 

 that while the wall of the larger circle is interrupted by numerous narrow gateways, 

 that of the smaller one is entire throughout, — a feature for which it is, of course, 

 impossible to assign a reason. Besides the small mounds at the gateways, there are 

 three others within the work, two of which are inconsiderable, while the other is 

 of the largest size, being one hundred and sixty feet long, by not far from twenty 

 feet high. A section of this mound is given, illustrative of a detailed description, 

 in a subsequent chapter. There are also a few other mounds outside of the walls, 

 reference to which is had elsewhere. Numerous dug holes occur in the vicinity of 

 the great mound. Most of these are interior to the work, — a very unusual 

 circumstance. In fact, the whole work appears to have been but partially finished, 

 or constructed in great haste. The mounds at the gateways, and those outside of 



* Imli.vileil l.v tlio IcttiT K. in Mnp, Pl;itc 11, 



