U2TrTE.D, STATES* 



s 



WESTERN ANTiquITlES. 



For the following excellent account of the sup- 

 posed fortiUcations and n>oui)ds in the western coun* 

 try, we are indebted to the rev, Mr. Harris's Tour 

 to Ohio, 



The vast mounds and walls of earth, discovered 

 in various parts of the western country, have excited- 

 the astonishnnent of all who have seen or heard o£ 

 them. When, and by whom, thej- were construct- 

 <^^, and for what purpose, are questions which havet 

 hitherto baffied the researches of the most inquisi^ 

 tive antiquarians. The present race of Indians re- 

 tain no traditions that can lead to. any discoveiyo. 

 Their history is lost in the oblivion of ages. 



The situation of the works at Marietta, is on am 

 elevated plain, above the present bank of the Mus- 

 kingum, on the east side, and about half a mile from, 

 its junction with the Ohio.. They consist of wallss 

 and mounds of earth in direct lines, and in square and~ 

 circular forms. 



The largest square fort, by some called the town^ 

 contains forty acres, encompassed by a wall of earthy 

 from six to ten feet high, and from twenty-five to 

 thirty-six feet in breadth at the base. On each side 

 are three openings, at equal distances, resembling 

 twelve gate- ways. From one outlet, next the Mus- 

 kingum, is a covert way, formed of two parallel 

 walls of earth, 231 feet distant from each other, 

 measuring from centre to centre. The wails at the 

 most elevated part on the inside are tv/enty-one 

 f^et in I'lcight. unci forty-tiyo in breadth at thobase^ 



