AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF LANCASTER COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

 THE ABORIGINES. 



1. The question "HowAvas America peopled?" has engaged the atten- 

 tion of many distinguished writers and engendered a veritable wilderness 

 of theories. Before stating these, a few observations on the discovery of 

 the New World may not be out of place, as different nations claim the 

 honor of having visited this continent prior to the arrival of Christopher 

 Columbus. 



From a })assage in Biodorus Siculus, [B. C. 100] stating that some 

 " Phoenicians were cast upon a most fertile island opposite to Africa — 

 after having passed the islands which lie beyond the straits of Hercules, 

 we will speak of those which lie much farther into the ocean. Towards 

 Africa, and to the West of it, is an immense island in the broad sea, 

 many days' sail from Lybia. Its soil is very fertile, and its surface varie- 

 gated with mountains and valleys. Its coasts are indented with many 

 navigable rivers, and its fields are well cultivated; delicious gardens and 

 various kinds of plants and trees." This is supposed to refer to America. 

 But this is by no means the oldest tradition; for Ilanno, flourishing 

 about B. C. 800, at the height of Carthaginian greatness, is said to have 

 explored the coast of Africa and starting from the straits of Hercules to 

 have sailed Westward oO days. Hence it has been inferred that Hanno 

 visited America. 



The account of Plato [B. C. 400] is generall}^ regarded entitled to 

 respect. Speaking of the first discovery of the Atlantic, he says: "In 

 those first times, the Atlantic was a most broad island, and there were 

 extant most powerful kings in it, who, with joint forces, appointed to 

 occupy Asia and Europe: and so a most grievous war was carried on, in 

 which the Athenians, with the common consent of the Greeks, opposed 

 themselves, and they became the conquerors. But that Atlantic island, 

 by a flood and earthquake, was indeed suddenly destroyed, and so that 

 warlike people Avere swallowed up." And elsewhere: "An island in the 



