SACREDENCLOSUKES. 71 



feet, and have elevated embankments constructed interior to the ditch, as seen 

 in the plan. This peculiarity has been already remarked, in some of the works of 

 the Scioto valley. 



Upon the lower terraces, towards the point of junction between the South and 

 Raccoon forks, a great number of mounds of various sizes are situated. Some 

 are large, but for the most part they are small. A small truncated pyramid 

 once existed here, but the construction of the Ohio canal, and the subsequent 

 establishment of the village of Lockport at this point, have obliterated this as 

 well as numerous other mounds. Indeed, these causes have resulted in the almost 

 total destruction of the singular maze of embankments, which communicates 

 directly with the square enclosure. The ancient lines can now be traced only at 

 intervals, among gardens and outhouses. At the period when the original survey, 

 upon which this plan is constructed, was made, which is twelve years ago, the lines 

 could all be made out. A few years hence, the residents upon the spot will be 

 compelled to resort to this map, to ascertain the character of the works which 

 occupied the very ground upon which they stand. 



Within the area partially enclosed by this series of works, was formerly a large 

 natural pond, covering upwards of one hundred acres. It has been drained, so that 

 the greater portion is under cultivation. Previous to the earthquake of 1811, which 

 resulted in the destruction of New Madrid on the Mississippi, it is said but little 

 water was contained in the basin; after that event it rose to the depth of ten feet, 

 and retained that level until the drainage took place. It has been suggested that 

 it owed its origin to artificial excavation ; but it is incontestibly natural, like several 

 other smaller depressions in the vicinity, which still contain water. Excavations, 

 denominated " wells," from which the materials for the construction of the wall 

 were taken, are abundant in the neighborhood of these works. 



Several extraordinary coincidences are exhibited between the details of these 

 works and some of those already described. The smaller circle F is nearly 

 identical in size with that belonging to the "Hopeton Works," and with the one 

 attached to the octagon, in the " High Bank " group. (See Plates XVI and XVII.) 

 The works last named are situated upon the Scioto, seventy miles distant. The 

 square has also the same area with the rectangle belonging to the Hopeton, and with 

 the octagon attached to the High Bank Works. The octagon, too, has the same 

 area with the large, irregular square at Marietta. The small circles G, G, G, 

 betray a coincidence with those in connection with the works above mentioned, 

 which ought not to be overlooked. It is not to be supposed that these nume- 

 rous coincidences are the result of accident. 



It would be unprofitable to indulge in speculations as to the probable origin and 

 purposes of this group of works. That it could not have been designed for 

 defence, seems too obvious to admit of doubt.* The reasons urged against the 



* " Great as some of these works are, and laborious as was their constrviction, particularly those of 

 Circleville and Newark, I am persuaded they were never iiUendeil fur mi/ilunj defences" — General 

 Hiirrism^ Discourse- 



