32 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010]
Roper, Donna C. Webb, Clarence 2007 The Origins and Expansion of the Central 1968 The Extent and Content of Poverty Point Plains Tradition. In Plains Village Farmers: Culture. American Antiquity 9:380-394. Bison-Hunting Farmers in the Central and 1977 The Poverty Point Culture. Geoscience and Northern Plains, edited by Stanley A. Ahler Man 17. School of Geoscience, Louisiana State and Marvin Kay, pp. 53-66. The University of University, Baton Rouge. MEGALITHS IN THE UPLAND SOUTH: Utah Press, Salt Lake City. Webb, William S. IMPOSING STONES OF UNCERTAIN FUNCTION Russo, Michael 1939 An Archaeological Survey of Wheeler Basin 1994 Why We Don’t Believe in Archaic on the Tennessee River in Northern Alabama. Donald B. Ball and John C. Waggoner, Jr. Ceremonial Mounds and Why We Should: The Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Case From Florida. Southeastern Archaeology Ethnology, Bulletin 122. United States 43(2):93-108. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Saunders, Rebecca Webb, William S., and David L. DeJarnette 1994 The Case for Archaic Period Mounds 1942 An Archaeological Survey of Pickwick in Southeastern Louisiana. Southeastern Basin in the Adjacent Portions of the States Archaeology 43(2):118-138.: of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. The term megalith (or menhir) is best known prehistory to record the Standing Stone which in association with large free standing stones once stood near the town of Monterey in Schambach, Frank F. Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American 1996 Mounds, Embankments, and Ceremonialism Ethnology, Bulletin 129. United States erected in the British Isles and portions of northeastern Putnam County, (north-central) in the Trans-Mississippi South. In Mounds, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. western Europe (e.g. Burl 1979, 1980; Mohen Tennessee. A sizable fragment of this much Embankments, and Ceremonialism in the Webb, William S., and Charles G. Wilder 1999; Service and Bradbury 1979). Not so well defaced sandstone megalith was incorporated Midsouth, edited by Robert C. Mainfort 1951 An Archaeological Survey of Guntersville known are three such monuments in Putnam in a monument erected in Monterey in 1895 and Richard Walling, pp. 36-43. Arkansas Basin on the Tennessee River in Northern and Smith counties in the central Cumberland (Figure 1) by a local civic group styling them- Archeological Survey, Research Series 46, Alabama. University of Kentucky Press, River Valley of north-central Tennessee, six in selves the Improved Order of Red Men. As Fayetteville. Lexington. east-central Alabama, two in Union County, recorded by Myer (n.d.a:Chapter V; see also Tiffany, Joseph A. Wedel, Waldo R. Georgia, one in Lewis County, West Virginia, Myer 1928:834-835) within the pages of his 2007 Examining the Origins of the Middle 1943 Archeological Investigations in Platte Missouri Tradition. In Plains Village Farmers: and Clay Counties Missouri. Smithsonian and two in southern Pennsylvania. These are unpublished manuscript titled Stone Age Man Bison-Hunting Farmers in the Central and Institution, United States National Museum listed in Table 1. In common with many of in the Middle South: Northern Plains, edited by Stanley A. Ahler Bulletin 183. their European counterparts, the chronology, One of the best known Indian remains in and Marvin Kay, pp. 3-14. The University of 1986 Central Plains Prehistory: Holocene cultural association, and function of these pil- Tennessee is Standing Stone at Monterey. Utah Press, Salt Lake City. Environments and Culture Change in the lars have been the subject of varying degrees of This interesting monument is of sandstone. Titterington, Paul Republican River Basin. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln. conjecture but in reality all are poorly under- It was originally about 8 feet high and 1950 Some Non Pottery Sites in the Saint Louis stood. It is the purpose of this article to bring stood by the side of the ancient Indian trail Area. Illinois State Archaeological Society Willey, Gordon R. together the available information and perti- which led from the Tennessee River near 1(1): 19-31. 1957 Review of Poverty Point, a Late Archaic Site nent source materials referable to these enig- the present site of Kingston to Cumberland Wallace, A. F. C. in Louisiana, by James A. Ford and Clarence H. matic monuments of unknown purpose within River. This was the route later followed by 1966 Religion: An Anthropological View. Random Webb. American Antiquity Vol. 23: 198-199. House, New York. Winters, Howard D. the Upland South region. the Walton Trail and more recently by the Tennessee Central Railroad. It reached the Walthall, John 1968 Value Systems and Trade Cycles of the Late Archaic in the Midwest. In New Perspectives Cumberland River at [the] mouth of Flynn’s 1973 Copena: A Tennessee Valley Middle Monterey Standing Stone, Putnam Woodland Culture. Unpublished Ph.D. disser- in Archaeology, edited by Sally R. Binford Lick Creek in Jackson County (the whites tation, Department of Anthropology, University and Lewis R. Binford, pp. 175-221. Aldine, County, Tennessee later established Fort Blount at this crossing Chicago. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. of Cumberland River1). This trail was large- 1980 Prehistoric Indians of the Southeast: Wood, W. Raymond It is appropriate to give all due credit to ear- ly used by the Cherokee and possibly other Archaeology of Alabama and the Middle South. 1961 The Pomme de Terre Reservoir in Western ly twentieth century archaeologist William University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa. Missouri. The Missouri Archaeologist 23. tribes. All accounts of this interesting stone Edward Myer (1862-1923) of Carthage, agree that the Indians held it in high regard. Tennessee, for being the first student of regional Exactly what was their belief in regard to it
This article has been peer-reviewed.
Copyright 2012 by the Alabama Archaeological Society 33 34 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 35
Table 1. Summary of Presently Known Upland South Megaliths the location of some treasures which the straight out west.” It is difficult to place any Indians had buried a good many years ago. degree of credence in these latter accounts. It was also undoubtedly a marker of their State County Site/Location Material Likely chronology trail which led across the Cumberland Tennessee Putnam Monterey sandstone prehistoric Mountains from Kingston to the West, and Kempville Standing Stone, Smith Tennessee Smith Kempville limestone historic? was used by the Cherokee tribe. County, Tennessee Tennessee Smith Difficult limestone historic? There are several caves near the stone, The Kempville megalith in Smith County, Alabama Clay 1Cy225 schist prehistoric and Mr. Whittaker says his father found evi- (north-central) Tennessee, is located in a broad Alabama Randolph 1Ra28 schist prehistoric dence that the Indians inhabited them, and and gently undulating field on private property Alabama Talladega 1Ta719 schist prehistoric it was his idea that they wintered here in the in the northeastern portion of the county north Alabama Talladega 1Ta756 greenstone prehistoric caves. of the Cumberland River and near the route Alabama Lee 1Le307 [not reported] historic grave? After the stone had fallen down, people of the historic Avery Trace (also known as the Alabama Calhoun 1Ca887 sandstone prehistoric in passing by would chip off pieces of it, Fort Blount Road or North Carolina Road) au- Georgia (2) Union 9Un367 metamorphic? prehistoric and in order to preserve it the [Improved Order of] Red Man built the present monu- thorized in 1787 by the North Carolina legis- West Virginia Lewis State Resort Park sandstone (?) prehistoric ment and placed the old stone upon it. “Mr. lature (cf. Nance 1998; Smith 1998:986). This Pennsylvania Huntingdon Huntingdon sandstone (?) proto-historic Whittaker does not know whether or not standing stone is northwest of the Gladdice Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh Montour Trail sandstone (?) prehistoric the Indians venerated it or offered sacrifices community between the Old Gladdice Road to around it. There are a great many stories the north and the Little Salt Creek Road to the connected with it, but there does not ap- south. As shown on a Garmin eTrex handheld pear to be any real foundation for them. It GPS receiver, this stone is located at latitude unquestionably bears some very close rela- 36° 22.128´, longitude 85° 50.196´. There are has long since been lost if ever known. The tionship to the early Indians in this coun- several historic era stone fences (cf. Ball et following information was obtained for the try, but just what, none will probably ever al. 2008) on the farm and it is possible that a author by the Honorable John Turner Price know.” nearby double fence (the long axis of which of Monterey, Tennessee: is generally oriented to the megalith) marks a The information regarding Standing Alvin Bryant Wirt (1954:46) subsequently stone was largely obtained from Mr. Jack described this stone as follows: Whittaker. He perhaps knows more history The “Standing Stone” was a sandstone about the old stone than anyone now living. pillar, about a foot square, and several feet He tells me that he got all the information high, that formerly stood on the south side from his father, Mr. Jeff Whittaker, who has of the old Cumberland Turnpike, west of lived in this immediate vicinity since his the present town of Monterey. Tradition birth, 1818. says that the first white men who passed The Standing Stone was originally lo- there found two standing stones, which had cated about one mile west of the town of evidently been set up by human hands, as 2 Monterey, directly on the Walton Road they were not very large, and under which and about 20 feet to the north of same. The charcoal was found in the ground. stone was plain, about 8 feet tall, of pink McClain (1925 cited in Walker 1998) de- sandstone, standing upright on a sandstone scribed the stone as a “sphinx-like sculpture ledge. After it had fallen down some of the which may have belonged to a cultured people early settlers made some excavations under long antedating the wild and roaming Indian.” it, and found ashes and charcoal that seemed According to McClain, one early pioneer stat- to have been buried there. It was the general ed that the stone resembled “a big gray dog in Figure 1. Remnant of Standing Stone megalith pre- impression with them that the stone marked Figure 2. Oblique view of Kempville (Smith County, served in Monterey, Tennessee. a sitting position, head and ears up, looking Tennessee) megalith. 36 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 37 portion of the now long abandoned route of the Difficult Standing Stone, Smith County, has interpreted the Kempville stone as a five- one of the highest peaks in the forest. This Avery Trace. The Kempville stone (Figure 2) Tennessee mile marker and the shorter Difficult stone as mound was unusual because it had a large stands approximately 2.1 m (7 ft) high, has a a one-mile marker along the aforementioned stone obelisk standing straight up in the maximum width of about 0.9 m (3 ft), and a The megalith located in the oddly named Avery Trace but this contention would be im- center (Noel et al. 2004). maximum thickness of about 30.5 cm (1 ft). community of Difficult in northeastern Smith possible to prove on the basis of presently Various fist- to melon-sized rocks near the foot County, Tennessee, is situated about 4.3 km available information. A second (and similarly The Alabama State Site File form provides of the “front” flat surface of this megalith were (2.7 miles) due west of the Kempville stone sized) small standing stone also thought to be but little additional information concern- likely used to stabilize it in its upright position (see above). As indicated on a Garmin eTrex associated with the Avery Trace is reputed to ing this stone. As noted therein: “The stone after it was set in place. The rough configura- handheld GPS receiver, this stone is located stand about 3.2 km (2 miles) north of Difficult. mound is located on top of Horn Mtn. within tion of this piece suggests that it was minimally at latitude 36° 22.027´, longitude 85° 50.487´. This location could not be further verified. a stone outcropping. Ground cover consists of (if at all) shaped prior to its placement. There is The Difficult megalith is a small and irregular- mixed hardwood and pine with some second- no evidence of any discernable markings or in- ly shaped but roughly pyramidal limestone slab ary growth. Stone mounds such as this are not Site 1Cy225, Talladega National scriptions on either face of this limestone slab. which stands about 0.8 m (2.5 ft) in height and uncommon to this area, however, the origin of This stone is said to have been briefly described has a maximum width of about 0.8 m (2.5 ft) Forest, Clay County, Alabama this stone mound is unknown.” in an article which appeared in a 1970s issue of and maximum thickness of approximately 0.6 the Carthage Courier newspaper. Based upon m (2 ft) (Figure 4). No markings were visible At present, six megaliths are known within the Site 1Ra28, Rother L. Harris Reservoir, his longstanding interest in local history, Mr. on any exposed surface of this stone. A small state of Alabama. The first of these is located in George Heinrich, the owner of this site, be- late prehistoric Mississippian era village is said the Talladega National Forest in Clay County Randolph County, Alabama lieves that this stone was erected as a marker to be located several hundred feet east of this in the east-central portion of the state. Made along the route of the Avery Trace (personal stone along a tributary to Defeated Creek but of schist, this example (Figure 5) is likely of A second Alabama megalith was recorded at communication, July 26, 2010) (Figure 3). Mr. there is no presently known cultural affiliation prehistoric origin. Holstein (2007:27) has ob- the Nelson’s Bend rock shelter (1Ra28) in the Heinrich further remarked that he had walked between the two. This stone stands in the front served that: Rother L. Harris Reservoir in Randolph County the area surrounding the megalith on a number yard of a private residence (not visible from the …archaeologists have recently been in the east-central portion of the state immedi- of occasions and found no evidence of prehis- main road) located on a gentle ridge between surveying portions of the rugged Talladega ately west of the Alabama-Georgia state line. toric occupation. His use of a metal detector in Defeated Creek and its tributary. No compara- National Forest and they, too, have record- The dimensions of this stone were not spe- the area adjacent to this stone resulted in recov- ble large rocks were noted in the immediately ed several stone mounds and walls. …One cifically recorded although a photograph of it ering only one item – a rusted horseshoe. adjacent yard area. One local property owner interesting site was 1Cy225, which was a (Figure 6) suggests an aboveground height of singular stone mound on an upland crest of at least 1.8 m (6 ft) if not somewhat higher. As
Figure 3. Map of a portion of the Cumberland River Valley in north-central Tennessee. Note route of Fort Blount Road (Avery Trace) immediately west of Fort Blount and north of Cumberland River. This route heads to Kempville. The Kempville megalith is located Figure 5. Megalith at site 1Cy225, Clay County, Figure 6. Megalith at Nelson’s Bend rock shelter near the second “l” in Hartsville (reproduced from Figure 4. Side view of standing stone in Difficult, Alabama (reproduced with permission from Holstein (1Ra28), Randolph County, Alabama (reproduced Royce 1902:Plate CLXI). (Smith County) Tennessee. 2007:25). courtesy of Dr. Vernon James Knight, Jr.). 38 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 39
Feature 1 is a large, irregular upright Site 1Ta719, Talladega National Forest, schist, and measures approximately 1.2 m (4 ft) topsoil with light reddish-brown subsoil at schist slab present on the western side of Talladega County, Alabama at the base by 0.9 m (3 ft) in height. Numerous the surface across the site. No artifacts were the talus slope. This slab …was dubbed readily available slabs of greenstone were ob- recovered in these shovel tests. The stone the “monolith” by the field crew and is The third recorded Alabama megalith (Figure served lying in the adjacent streambed. Also of mound consists of an oval shaped arrange- designated as Feature 1. It slants outward 7) was reported within the Talladega National interest, this stone appears to have been bifa- ment of cobbles set with an east to west ori- toward the [Little Tallapoosa] river at an Forest in east-central Alabama along a first ter- cially chipped (Ridley 2009). entation. A large stone is placed vertically angle of about 75 degrees from horizontal. race overlooking the Tallaseehatchee Creek in at the western end of the mound. The form Two small test units placed at the base of Talladega County. This thick tabular slab is is common to known 19th century buri- Site 1Le307, Lee County, Alabama Feature 1 showed that the Avery complex made of locally available schist and measures als within the area (John Cottier, personal deposits had been formed after the slab was approximately 0.9 m (3 ft) at the base by 1 to communication 2001). The likelihood that already in its present position, but the test 1.2 m (3.5 to 4 ft) in height. Nine stone mounds The fifth formally recorded Alabama megalith the stone mound is a 19th century burial re- was inconclusive in determining whether it and one stone wall were also recorded upon a is located south of Sougahatchee Creek in Lee sults in the recommendation of avoidance. had been erected aboriginally or had some- ridge spur slope directly behind this standing County, also in the east-central portion of the … The practice of burial within mounds how naturally assumed vertical orientation. stone. This stone is likely prehistoric in origin state. As noted in the Alabama State Site File has been employed during prehistory, but It might have served as an excellent marker, (Ridley 2008). form, this site and its associated megalith have the inclusion of an east to west orientation being clearly visible from the river. been described as follows: implies post-Christian-missionary cultural Significantly, Knight (1977:195) continued Site 1Le307 was recorded by John developments. Couples [sic] with the pres- by observing that: Site 1Ta756, Talladega National Forest, Newman, Office of Archaeological ence of the headstone, the implications are …Five unmodified large schist slabs, Talladega County, Alabama Research, Moundville, AL. The site is a further narrowed to a Christian burial some- present on the eastern side of the talus slope, very sparse surface scatter of quartzite deb- time during the 19th or early 20th century… were designated as Feature 3. It might be The fourth recorded Alabama megalith (Figure itage (N=3) and a possible 19th century [emphasis added]. conjectured whether one or more of these 8) was reported within the Talladega National stone mound burial. The site is situated slabs had once stood upright as an eastern Forest in east-central Alabama along a first on an upland crest with two logging roads Available information suggests that this counterpart of Feature 1. terrace overlooking a seasonal drainage in dissecting the landform. The area has been stone serves as a cautionary tale demonstrat- As the Avery complex has been dated Talladega County. This thick tabular slab was clear-cut in the past, resulting in severe ing the appropriateness of being slow to judge from ca. AD 1400-1600 (Hubbert and made of locally available greenstone3, a type of erosion. Shovel testing profiles show no the presumed antiquity of those few megaliths Wright 1987:5; Knight 1980:2, 14-23; encountered across the landscape. This site and 1994:185), it may be conjectured that the its associated megalith are further discussed 1Ra28 megalith was erected during or be- in Jones (2002), Newman et al. (2002), and fore the early Mississippian era as suggested Watkins (2003). by a single radiocarbon date of AD 1150±70 obtained from this site (Hubbert and Wright 1987:5). The reason(s) for erecting a mega- Site 1Ca887, Calhoun County, Alabama lith at this location are obscured by virtue of the site being a rock shelter situated near In the course of an informal personal com- a fish weir (designated as site 1Ra208) inti- munication on January 27, 2011, Dr. Harry O. mating a predominately mundane and non- Holstein (Archaeological Resource Laboratory, ceremonial function (Hubbert and Wright Jacksonville State University, Anniston, 1987:7-8). When asked “Were there any Alabama) brought to our attention a sixth markings on either face of this piece?”, Dr. Alabama megalith (Figure 9) located at site Vernon James Knight, Jr. (personal com- 1Ca887 in Calhoun County in the east-central munication, July 19, 2010) responded, “If portion of the state. His remarks appear herein there had been any deliberate modification with his permission to serve as an interim ac- of the stone, I’m sure that would have been Figure 7. Megalith at site 1TA719, Talladega National Figure 8. Megalith made of greenstone at site 1Ta756, count of its presence within the region: mentioned [in the original report].” Forest, Talladega County, Alabama (reproduced cour- Talladega National Forest, Talladega County, Alabama tesy of Dr. Harry O. Holstein). (reproduced courtesy of Dr. Harry O. Holstein). 40 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 41
T. G. Greiner [Loubser and Greiner 2002] from within or on the radiocarbon date of Lewis County, (north-central) West Virginia produced a report on a site in Track Rock charcoal recovered. Since only about a (Fitzwater 2010; see also Steelhammer 2010). Gap in north central Georgia. This site, on quarter of the feature was sampled (due Presumably raised by human hands, this im- the east side of the Gap, consists of dozens to Indian requests excavations were termi- posing upright stone (Figure 10) has been de- of terrace walls and cairns that had been nated), it may very well contain more re- scribed as sitting “…beneath a natural outcrop earlier discovered by Carey Waldrip, a resi- cent artifacts. Based on available evidence, of rock that is surrounded by large boulders” dent of a nearby town, Blairsville. Loubser however, the latest diagnostic artifacts (i.e., (Fitzwater 2010). The chronology of this and dated one wall by removing soil underneath the Connestee sherd and the pipe fragment) the associated stone works is unknown but it and having it tested using oxidizable car- recovered from within the feature suggests likely of prehistoric origin. Measuring on the bon ratio (OCR)4. The date obtained was ca. a Late Woodland/Early Mississippian date. order of 8 feet in height by 10 feet across, this 1075 B.P. Nearby, a 4.5m x 3m x .7m [14.8 This age estimate roughly agrees in age sizable upright stone generally resembles those
Figure 9. Side view of standing stone at site 1Ca887, ft x 9.8 ft x 2.3 ft] stone mound on a high (this is different from confirming it) with reported at sites 1Ta756 and 1Ca887 in east- on Choccolocco Mountain, Calhoun County, Alabama promontory was excavated. Two column- the OCR estimate of a soil sample that un- central Alabama (see above). The broad “front” (reproduced courtesy of Dr. Harry O. Holstein). shaped rocks were lying on the south side derlies a meandering stone wall very many surface of the stone is marked with several of the pile which Loubser interpreted might meters down slope and northwest of the cupules (indentations) but some of these are once have “stood upright in a monolith piled stone mound. The petroglyphs to the likely of historic origin as a result of gun shots. Recently we have located another standing fashion.” After removing the top layer of northwest of the stone-walled complex, stone structure amongst a strange rock out- stones, Loubser uncovered diagnostic arti- within Track Rock Gap [cf. Loubser 2010], crop on an isolated western ridge spur atop facts underneath that confirmed the accu- contain designs that resemble Woodland/ Juniata Standing Stone, Huntingdon Choccolocco Mountain in Calhoun County racy of the OCR date for the wall [emphasis Mississippian period ones. So, all-in-all County, Pennsylvania Alabama. The standing rock is oriented due added]. we have circumstantial evidence that a lot east/west and points out over the steep moun- of activity occurred here roughly a millen- The Juniata Standing Stone – now no lon- tain slope off to the west between two distant In the course of seeking clarification regard- nium ago. It should not be forgotten that ger standing – was located at the conflu- mountain peaks. The thick tabular sandstone ing the nature of the recovered “diagnostic ar- sites can be re-visited and re-used through ence of Standing Stone Creek and the Juniata rock measures 3 feet at the base by 2 feet at tifacts” from this site, Dr. Johannes Loubser time, so features can be added, such as the River (a tributary of the Susquehanna River) its highest point varying in thickness from 3 (personal communication, June 18, 2010) monoliths.” in Huntingdon County, (south-central) inches at the top to 10 inches near the east- replied: Pennsylvania. Myer (n.d.a:Chapter V) re- ern base. A low loose angular sandstone wall Perhaps the sentence should read: “After Loubser and Frink (2010:34) further elabo- marked that: runs directly north of the tip of the west end removing the layered flat stones from the rated on these examples by observing, “Two of the standing stone. This site lies less than low mound, Loubser uncovered a small column-shaped rocks, each measuring rough- one-half mile north of the recently investigated feature enclosed by a ring of round-edged ly 100 by 40 cm [3.3 ft x 1.3 ft], are present large complex Morton Hill stone structure site, stones. Within the stone ring was black-col- on the southern side of the pile. These might 1Ca671 (Holstein 2010). ored soil. Artifacts recovered from the dark have stood upright in a monolith-like fashion.” feature fill included a Connestee-looking These stones were made of metamorphic rock Site 9Un367, Track Rock Gap, Union fabric impressed sherd, a bowl fragment of (or perhaps biotite) (Johannes Loubser, person- County, Georgia a ceramic clay smoking pipe (resembling al communication, May 30, 2010). Mississippian period ones), some plain Two possible megaliths have been reported at sherds, and a few quartz flake fragments. Stonewall Resort State Park, Lewis Track Rock Gap in Union County, (north-cen- Bearing in mind that Connestee probably County, West Virginia tral) Georgia. As recorded by Muller (2009): dates to around 1,000 years ago, the feature Within the past seven years, a few care- may have been in use at that time. However, A large standing slab of stone (sandstone?) ful excavations, several of which have oc- it is known from other similar features with- located near a complex of approximately curred at a single site, have resulted in one in stone mounds in Georgia that much older Figure 10. Front view of Stonewall State Resort Park 150 walls, platforms, and cairns has been re- cautionary tale, important observations, and artifacts are often included, so the feature megalith in Lewis County, West Virginia. Note cupules ported at the Stonewall Resort State Park, on exposed surface (reproduced courtesy of Mr. Roger discoveries. In 2002, Johannes Loubser and date depends on the latest artifact recovered B. Wise). 42 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 43
An interesting sidelight is thrown on He says is was “four inches thick by eight “The trail is only about a foot wide and this ancient Tennessee standing stone [in inches wide,” and adds: “The tribe regarded not very often used,” said Mr. Gallant, a Putnam County] by an account of a similar this stone with superstitious veneration, and historian and member of the Peters Creek standing stone in the Juniata River Valley a tradition is said to have existed among Historical Society. of Pennsylvania. John Harris, in describing them that if the stone should be taken away The path rose up hill to a bluff, and a journey along the Juniata in 1753, says, the tribe would be dispersed, but so long as when Mr. Gallant approached Peters Creek, “To standing stone, 10 miles (about four- it should stand they would prosper.” The he came across a rather startling sight – a teen feet high; six inches square).” Hanna souvenir edition of “Historic Huntingdon,” monolith that he believes could weigh as [1911:257] says with reference to this published in 1909, says: “Arching around a much as a ton and once stood on top the standing stone, “At one time it was covered tall, slim pillar covered with hieroglyphics, bluff but either tumbled or was dragged 23 with inscriptions, and venerated as a sacred were wigwams or lodges of the browned feet down the embankment. totem pole.” It was described as being seven sons of the forest. …The stone referred to, “The base of the stone sticks two feet out feet above the ground in 1775. Juniata is a which was supposed to bear in its cabalis- of the ground with another four feet embed- corrupted form of the Iroquois “Onoputta,” tic inscriptions a record of the history and ded in the creek bed,” he said. “Another meaning standing stone. Oneida is another achievements of the tribe, was regarded eight feet of the obelisk, which comes to a form of the same word and has the same with great veneration by the natives, and point, lies in the creek.” meaning [Hanna 1911:257]. it conspicuous position and appearance led the white visitors to designate the locality As recorded in greater detail by historian by the name ‘Standing Stone.’ This stone Discussion John W. Jordan in A History of the Juniata stood above Second street [sic] between the Valley and Its People (Jordan 1913:I, 20): Pennsylvania railroad and the river, on or It is appropriate to comment upon both the It is believed that the Juniata or Standing near No. 208 Allegheny street,” etc. Figure 11. Replacement Juniata Standing Stone erect- material and construction of these stones. ed in 1896 (reproduced from Historical Committee of Available (but less than precise) information Stone people had their great council fire the Old Home Week Association 1909). where the city of Huntingdon is now lo- Early sources often conflict with one an- suggests that five examples (Putnam County, cated. Here they erected a pillar of stone other regarding both the dimensions of the Tennessee, 1Ca887 in Alabama, Juniata – quite likely to commemorate the fact, as stone and the circumstances surrounding its Valley, Pennsylvania, and likely Montour they believed, that it was upon that spot demise. Some claim that the local tribe re- Trail, Pennsylvania, and Stonewall Resort that the Great Spirit caused them to spring moved it to an unknown location for safekeep- Montour Trail, South Park near State Park, West Virginia) were made of sand- from mother earth like the trees of the for- ing whereas others say that it was demolished Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania stone, two (Kempville and Difficult, both in est. The first mention in the white man’s by either the Indians themselves or a group of Smith County, Tennessee) of limestone, three history of the Standing Stone is in a jour- drunken town’s people with nothing better to A second apparent megalith in Pennsylvania (1Cy225, 1Ra28, and 1Ta719 in Alabama) of nal of Conrad Weiser, Indian agent and do with their time. It is not known which – if was briefly reported in the October 8, 2009, is- schist, one of greenstone (1Ta756 in Alabama), interpreter, recording the events of a jour- any – of these accounts is true. A replacement sue of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newspaper and two (both in Union County, Georgia) of ney from his home in Berks county [sic], stone (Figure 11) was erected by the town of and described as being along Montour Trail metamorphic rock. The material of the Lee Pennsylvania, to the forks of the Allegheny Huntingdon on September 8, 1896. The his- (a public pathway) immediately adjacent to County, Alabama, example was not further and Muskingum rivers. The entry in this tory of the original Juniata stone is further dis- Peters Creek. Specific location information described. Importantly, it seems reasonable journal for August 18, 1748, says: “Had cussed in Africa (1896), Day (1843:370), Egle was purposefully vague but the Peters Creek to conclude that all 14 megaliths used readily a great rain in the afternoon; came within (1876:778-779), Jones (1856:183-185), Jordan watershed lies in south-central Allegheny available local material and there is no firm ev- two miles of Standing Stone, twenty-four (1913:I, 19-22), and Moran et al. (2005:46-47). County and north-central Washington County idence to suggest that these stones were trans- miles.” Five or six years later John Harris, near Pittsburgh in the southwestern portion of ported any further than was absolutely neces- the founder of Harrisburg, visited the spot the state. As described by Zuchowski (2009): sary to accomplish the desired goal of erecting and described the stone as “about fourteen In mid-August, Finleyville resident a suitable marker. In support of this contention, feet high and six inches square.” In 1843 Larry Gallant decided to veer off the well- Dr. Harry O. Holstein (personal communica- Sherman Day [Day 1843:370] gathered all traveled Montour Trail by taking a neglect- tion, January 27, 2011) remarked that: the traditions possible concerning the stone. ed side path. 44 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 45 described in Knight (1977:195; see also Knight South, factual information concerning them is when we suggest that, in our opinion, the in the traditions of savage or semi-barbarian and O’Hear 1975:84): much harder to find. Excluding a possible asso- structures under discussion are ceremonial people. It is to the effect that “once upon a …all 150 or so stone structure sites JSU ciation with a historic tribe in the Juniata River in nature, or at the very least represent some time,” a young Arickaree [Arikara] woman, [Jacksonville State University] has record- Valley in Pennsylvania, it appears that most of form of symbolic rather than strictly utili- wife of a great brave, and who loved him ed and numerous others I have visited were the Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and West tarian behavior [emphasis in original text]. dearly, was so mortified and spirit broken all constructed of rocks from the immedi- Virginia examples are likely of prehistoric because her husband took a second wife, ate vicinity. Occasionally one or two non- origin. Plausible – but by no means provable – In this vein of thought, discounting its that she went out on the prairie and sat down indigenous rocks (clear quartz etc.) will be functions might include uses such as a marker smaller size, an 1870s account of a stone ven- and neither ate nor drank till she died, and added to a structure but 99% plus [are] of for tribal boundaries, trails, or ceremonial sites. erated by the Lakota Sioux on the Standing the Great Spirit turned her into that standing local materials. Whatever their function might have been, there Rock reservation situated on the North Dakota stone. To this day, the women of a hostile is no substantive reason to suggest that such and South Dakota state line provides a use- tribe, the Sioux, who now occupy the coun- Although there is no way to determine how readily obvious markers would have failed to ful ethnographic analogy for interpreting at try, hold it as a sacred thing, and offer to it these stones may have been transported, short attract the attention of early explorers, military least some of the known standing stones in the their sacrifices to propitiate it, and secure its of sheer brute strength, it seems reasonable expeditions, and settlers had they been more Upland South region. As recorded by Leasure good offices for them in their no doubt suf- to conjecture that in at least some instances plentiful. Obviously, such was not the case. (1877:387-388): ficiently frequent little domestic difficulties. wooden rollers may have been used to move The paucity of these imposing stones6 argues Next morning (Sunday) we arrived at the A man of ordinary strength could carry the them (cf. Osenton 2001). As best exemplified against their having served as prehistoric trail [Standing Rock] agency, and in company stone away, but no one has ever molested by the Kempville megalith in Smith County, markers (cf. Myer 1928; n.d.b) and it is equally with a friend from Bismarck, I stopped off it, and it remains a pillar of rock to mark Tennessee, it is not unlikely that the process improbable that they would have functioned to await the return of the boat from below. I the credulity of a simple and superstitious of erecting several of these stones entailed as boundary markers7 in light of the sizable had imagined that the name Standing Rock people8. excavating a sloping trench, carefully setting tracts of land that might have been claimed by was derived from some immense rock on the heel (bottom) of the megalith in place and any given tribal group. Excluding those stones the river shore, or some overhanging cliff Geographically closer to the Appalachian moving it to an upright position, packing the possibly associated with various historical pur- constituting the main feature of the spot, region, Captain John Smith (1612) recorded sloping cavity with stray rocks to secure it, poses, it seems most likely (but, again, by no and on inquiry, I was informed that the rock the following brief description of the use of and dumping loose dirt in the residual trench. means conclusively provable) that they typical- was some distance inland. Major Burke, ceremonial stones by the Indians of eastern It may be further speculated that one-fourth to ly served to mark the location of sites used for the agent, was absent, [page 388] but his Virginia: one-third of the mass of most of these stones as yet unknown ritual purposes. The validity son very kindly took us in an open spring They have also certaine Altar stones they was situated belowground level to insure its of this contention (while not, we believe, com- wagon, through the various villages of the call Pawcorances: but these stand from their stability. pletely without some degree of merit) certainly Indians, up to the lodge of Two Bears, head Temples, some by their houses, other in the In marked contrast to the apparent rarity remains subject to further verification and in chief of the Yanktonnais, about four miles woodes and wildernesses. Upon these, they of presently known megaliths within the re- the process of formulating the present interpre- from the agency buildings. On our way up offer blood, deare suet, and Tobacco. These gion, there is no doubt that likely thousands of tive remarks we have been mindful of the ad- he stopped and told us that there was the they doe when they returne from the warres, stone mounds, walls, enclosures, effigies, and monition voiced by Philip E. Smith (1962:34) Standing Rock. It was a little boulder about from hunting, and upon many other occa- cairns were erected by the prehistoric inhab- in his landmark study titled Aboriginal Stone twenty-eight inches in height, by fifteen sions [emphasis in original; original spell- itants of the region extending from the Ohio Constructions in the Southern Piedmont: inches at the base, and eight inches at the ing retained]. River Valley to the southern terminus of the It has become something of a standing top, and was painted over in various colors, Appalachian foothills5. While their specific joke among archaeologists to maintain that and surrounded by pieces of gay colored Of necessity, efforts to date such stones in temporal and cultural relationship to several when a phenomenon cannot be explained ribbons, bead work and the ears and tails of the Upland South based upon presently avail- of the megaliths described herein remains un- in any other way it can always be labeled small animals, and other tokens, indicating able meager information must be tenuous at known, there is little uncertainty that all were “ceremonial” and allowed to go at that. This that the Indian women looked upon it as sa- best. A scattering of associated dates derived part of a longstanding and widely distributed is taking the easy way out, of course, and cred, and came “to make medicine,” in their from the megaliths or their associated sites in tradition of stone construction in the Upland in many cases it does represent sloppy or domestic troubles, or in “white man’s talk,” Randolph County, Alabama, Union County, South. Although no end of colorful and fanci- unimaginative thinking. Therefore, we real- to offer sacrifice [emphasis in original text]. Georgia, and Citrus County, Florida (see be- ful speculations might be offered regarding the ize that we are leaving ourselves quite vul- The story or myth of Standing Rock is low), suggests – but by no means substanti- history and function of megaliths in the Upland nerable to attack and criticism on this score quite as respectable as many another found ates – that some megaliths in the southeastern 46 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 47
United States were erected from more or less fell out of favor and into disuse that a simi- the importance of mythology and cosmology At a Certayne tyme of the yere they make the middle of the fifth century AD to as late lar fate could have befallen megaliths erected (cf. Mooney 1900; Swanton 1927, 1929) as a great, and solemne feaste wherunto their as ca. 1150 or in general terms from the ter- for ceremonial purposes within the same geo- integral elements in influencing the selection neighbours of the townes adioninge repayre minal Middle Woodland well into the early graphical area. of particular sites as being worthy of venera- from all parts euery man attyred in the most portion of the Mississippian period. As demon- Another issue worthy of being addressed tion. Inasmuch as the operable intangible ideas strange fashion they can deuise hauinge cer- strated all too well by the standing stone in Lee is the problem of establishing an interim ty- which motivated site selection may never be tayne marks on the backs to declare of what County, Alabama (which possibly served as a pology of regional megaliths. As documented fully understood, it remains within the bounds place they bee. The place where they meet nineteenth century grave marker) and the two herein, we begin with a miniscule sample of of possibility to examine the tangible expres- is a broade playne, abowt the which are examples in Smith County, Tennessee (likely 14 presently known Upland South megaliths. sion of those ideas as manifested by the physi- planted in the grownde certayne posts ca- erected as early road markers), it is prudent to Since available information suggests (but cal and locational similarities between and rued with heads like to the faces of Nonnes exert a healthy degree of both skepticism and does not conclusively confirm) that three of among the known universe of recorded stones. couered with theyr vayles. Then beeing caution in reaching unsupportable conclusions these may date to the historic period, we are Briefly addressing the perplexing question sett in order they dance, singe, and vse the regarding both the age and function of any giv- left with but 11 examples variously found as of distribution within the broad expanses of the strangest gestures that they can possiblye en example which might be encountered. standalone items (i.e., Standing Stone near Upland South where stone is readily available deuise. Three of the fayrest Virgins, of the Beyond the more obvious issues such as Monterey, Tennessee, sites 1Ta719 and 1Ta756 is likewise in order. Although an uncritical ac- companie are in the mydds, which imbrass- chronology, cultural affiliation, and function, it in Alabama, and the Montour Trail stone in ceptance of the information presented herein inge one another doe as yt wear turne abowt is inevitable that a number of additional ques- Pennsylvania), stones associated with a stone would suggest that the hill country of east-cen- in their dancinge. All this is donne after the tions such as access and frequency of use might mound and/or in proximity to walls, cairns, etc. tral Alabama was – for whatever reason – a pro- sunne is sett for auoydinge of heate. When be raised regarding megaliths in the Upland (i.e., sites 1Cy225 and 1Ca887 in Alabama, verbial epicenter of megalith construction, it is they are weerye of dancing, they goe oute South. While giving voice to such questions 9Un367 in Georgia, and Stonewall Resort State equally valid to contend that additional exam- of the circle, and come in vntill their dances is easy enough, providing convincing and sup- Park in West Virginia), and stones within habi- ples within the region have yet to be discovered be ended, and they goe to make merrye… portable answers is another matter. It may be tation areas (i.e., site 1Ra28 in Alabama and the and reported. For all practical purposes, sub- (Hariot 1871:description of Plate XVIII). argued, for example, that this or that megalith Juniata standing stone in Huntingdon County, stantial portions of northern Alabama, northern (At a certain time of the year they make stood adjacent to a given trail known in the ear- Pennsylvania). Inasmuch as these are valid de- Georgia, central and eastern Tennessee, west- a great and solemn feast whereunto their ly historic era. However, lacking any firm (or scriptive observations, it should be recognized ern South Carolina, western North Carolina, neighbors of the towns adjoining repair even tentative) insight as to either when a par- that presently available information fails to eastern Kentucky, western Virginia, and much from all parts every man attired in the most ticular stone was erected or when a nearby trail provide any meaningful insight into the spe- of West Virginia remain terra incognito as re- strange fashion they can devise having was established modern researchers find them- cifics of their intended purpose and there is no gards the presence or absence of megaliths in certain markings on their backs to declare selves in the position of accepting the untenable compelling reason to presume that each and ev- the prehistoric past. what place they be [from]. The place where premise that “once in use as a ritual site, always ery stone served an identical role for the group Other questions might be raised as well. they meet is a broad plain, about which are in use,” a leap of interpretive faith which may which erected it. It is therefore appropriate to While it is reasonable enough to conclude that planted in the ground certain posts carved or may not have any basis in ethnographic real- ask, “In the establishment of even a provisional the erection of megaliths in the Upland South with heads like the faces of nuns covered ity. A not inappropriate modern analogy to this typology, which is more important – a mega- was dependent upon proximity to a convenient with their veils. Then being set in order they scenario may be found in driving past a derelict lith’s setting or its function?” Regional archae- source of readily accessible stone – a circum- dance, sing, and use the strangest gestures and long abandoned church beside a country ologists are nowhere near being able to answer stance seldom encountered in many portions of they can possibly devise. Three of the fair- road. Although such a neglected structure was such a question at this time. the Lowland South – mention should be made est virgins of the company are in the middle once a place of active worship, it now stands Intimately related to understanding the func- of the apparent application of substitute mate- which embracing one another do as it were unused and ignored and it matters little that it tion of any given stone is the process of com- rials. An insight into the fabrication and use of turn about in their dancing. All this is done is located adjacent to a still traveled byway. ing to terms with the factors which prompted what may be interpreted as wooden counter- after the sun is set for avoiding the heat. It is therefore within the bounds of reason to the erection of a megalith at one location rather parts to stone megaliths as used along the coast When they were weary of dancing, they go hypothesize that if once sacred mound centers than another. While it is all too easy to espouse of North Carolina in the period 1585-1586 out of the circle, and come in until the danc- (cf. Halley, ed. 1994; King 2003; Knight and (but infinitely more difficult to prove) theories (Hariot 1871:Plate XVIII) appears in the writ- es be ended, and they go to make merry…) Steponaitis, eds. 1998) and ceremonial caves focusing on astrological or cardinal alignments ings of Thomas Hariot (later translated from (cf. Faulkner, ed. 1986; Faulkner et. al. 1984; or vaguely defined concepts of “sacred space,” Latin into English by Richard Hakluyt) who Equally informative is a first person account Faulkner and Simek 1996) within the region it would be ill-advised to arbitrarily dismiss remarked that: of the ceremonies associated with a portable 48 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 49 wooden pole at the Indian town of Jece near scratching, pointing upwards and down- 1905:26, 30-32, 45, Plate 12; Mercer 1897:155; Suggestions for the Documentation of present day Vero Beach along Florida’s ward on this and the other side every way; Muller 2008)9 than elsewhere in the eastern Upland South Megaliths Atlantic coast. This town was the principal vil- looking like men frightened, or more like United States. For example, in an account of lage of the Ais, one of the lesser known tribes Furies; thus behaving themselves until the the Burnt Hill site located on “a mountaintop Following the completion of the present in southern Florida (cf. Andrews and Andrews, six have done shaking their rattles. Then in the northern Berkshires” near Heath, (north- study, it seemed appropriate to take the op- eds. 1985:93-109; Swanton 1946:84-85). As they all begin a dance, violently stamping western) Massachusetts, Anonymous (1971 portunity to both examine the problems we en- recorded in early October 1696 by Jonathan on the ground for the space of an hour or cited in Corliss 1978:2) recorded “…a half- countered in dealing with the highly variable Dickinson, a Quaker merchant shipwrecked more without ceasing. In which time they dozen standing stones, shaped and tapered to quality of the purely descriptive information near Hobe Sound in Martin County, Florida will sweat in a most excessive manner, that points …and set up on the crest of a mountain available to us and – importantly – offer some (Andrews and Andrews, eds. 1985:37-38): by the time the dance is over, what by their in a pattern suggesting orientation on the ce- preliminary suggestions as to how these report- This day being the time of the moon’s sweat and the violent stamping of their feet, lestial North Pole. In addition, there are about ing efforts might simultaneously be improved entering the first quarter, the Indians have a the ground is trodden into furrows… Thus 15 stones that have fallen, including a giant and standardized for the express purpose of ceremonious dance which they begin about often repeating the manner they continue menhir 17½ feet long.” As suggestive as some allowing for the more uniform and systematic eight o’clock in the morning. In the first till three or four o’clock in the afternoon; similarities between their appearance and con- comparison of one stone with another. As is al- place comes an old man and takes a staff by which time many were sick and fainty… struction may be, there is no firm evidence that ways the case, experience tends to be the best about eight feet long, having a broad arrow The next day about the same time, they they are either chronologically or functionally teacher and it is appropriate to observe that it on the head thereof, and thence half way begin their dance as the day before. Also comparable to ostensibly identical stones en- is not our intention to be critical in any man- painted red and white like unto a barber’s on the third day they begin their dance at countered south of the Ohio Valley. ner of the approaches previously used by others pole; in the middle of this staff is fixed a the usual time; at which time came many Within the southern states, it may be argued (and we certainly include ourselves among this piece of wood shaped like unto [the] thigh, Indians from other towns, and fell to danc- that the examples best known to regional ar- number). To the contrary, we fully recognize leg and foot of a man, and the lower part ing without taking any notice one of the chaeologists are two limestone stelae about that the methodical investigation of megaliths thereof is painted black, and this staff being other. five feet high (one dated to ca. AD 440) dis- in both the Upland South and elsewhere in the carried out of the Casseekey’s [i.e., chief’s] covered at the Crystal River Archaeological United States is in its infancy and in many re- house is set fast in the ground standing up- Accordingly, it is not inappropriate to con- State Park in Citrus County, (west-central) gards exemplifies the challenge of venturing right. This done, he also brings out a basket tend that the general function of a “megalith” Florida, near the Gulf Coast (Bullen 1966)10. into heretofore uncharted academic waters. containing six rattles, which are taken out —providing a symbolic focal point for the Despite the infrequency of their appearance in That there are no recognized reporting stan- [page 38] of the basket and placed at the foot conduct of a given ritual or celebration—was the Upland South as suggested by the cited his- dards for documenting megaliths within the of his staff; then another old man comes and independent of the material used in fabricat- torical and archaeological literature, it is both region is hardly surprising in light of both the sets up a howling like unto a mighty dog, ing such a visual marker. Although it is obvi- likely and probable that other megaliths have infrequency of their occurrence and the general but beyond him for length of breath; withal ous that the use of stone would have resulted been reported in sources not examined herein lack of attention previously directed toward making a proclamation. This being done, in a far more durable marker, the application and, indeed, additional examples which have their study. To this end, we would recommend the most of them having painted themselves of non-permanent material would have served not yet attracted the attention of regional ar- that the following observations be considered some red, some black, some with black and the same purpose. It may further be speculated chaeologists and historians may exist scattered as the minimum guidelines for future recorda- red; with their belly girt up as tight as well that the remnants of such markers in the form across the landscape11. Nonetheless, even were tion efforts: they can girt themselves with ropes, having of seemingly inexplicable stray post molds en- the number of these stones doubled or tripled their sheaves of arrows at their backs and countered in village contexts have been discov- it is ironic that they would still be fewer in Location their bows in their hands, being gathered ered in the course of numerous excavations in number than items such as seldom encountered together about this staff; six of the chiefest the southeastern United States but have gone Mississippian era monolithic axes (cf. Brehm 1. statement of location (to include both men in esteem among them, especially one unrecognized or misinterpreted. and Smotherman 1989; Jones 1876:46; Knight placement on a USGS 7.5’ quadrangle and GPS who is their doctor, and much esteemed, As a final observation, it may be noted that 2000; Miller 1958; see also Saville 1916) with- coordinates) and topographic setting; taking up the rattles begins a hideous noise, the study of standing stones and other exam- in the region. Until such time as these stones standing round this staff, taking their rattles, ples of early stone structures has tended to at- are systematically investigated, they will con- Photographs and bowing, without ceasing, unto the staff tract more concerted attention in New England tinue to remain aberrant curiosities subject to for about half an hour; whilst these six are (e.g., Finch 1824; Gage and Gage 2006, 2008; rampant speculation. 2. clear photographs (preferably including a thus employed, all the rest are staring and Muller 2009) and the northeast (e.g., Letson scale) of all sides of a given megalith; 50 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 51
Description Summary of Previous Research of a Journey from Port Royal in Jamaica to Bullen, Ripley P. Philadelphia between August 23, 1696, and 1966 Stelae at the Crystal River Site, Florida. 3. dimensions (height, width, and thickness) 13. an appropriate records review (including April 1, 1697. Florida Classics Library, Port American Antiquity 31(6):861-865 (reprinted of a given megalith; the collection of local folklore and oral history, Salerno, Florida (reprint of 1945 edition pub- 1999 in Famous Florida Sites: Mount Royal 4. cardinal orientation of the stone’s long if applicable) of both archaeological and his- lished by Yale University Press, New Haven, and Crystal River, edited by Jerald T. Milanich, Connecticut; originally published 1699, Reiner pp. 227-235, University Press of Florida, axis (if applicable); torical sources relating to a given stone. Jansen, Philadelphia). Gainesville). 5. type of stone (limestone, sandstone, etc.); It may be taken for granted that every stone Anonymous Burl, Aubrey 6. statement regarding the local availability is unique in its own right and other attributes 1971 A Remarkable Standing-Stones Site 1979 Prehistoric Avebury. Book Club Associates, of that type of stone; of a given megalith or its location may warrant Located. NEARA [New England Antiquities London. 7. descriptive narrative including shape, in- further discussion. Such factors might include Research Association] Newsletter 6:40. 1980 Rings of Stone: The Prehistoric Stone Circles dications of human efforts to shape or alter the remarks on how one physically approaches Ball, Donald B. of Britain and Ireland. Ticknor & Fields, New stone, and specific observations on the pres- the rock feature in question – does one have to 2010 Notes on a So-Called “Old Fort” along Haven and New York. ence or absence of petrogylphs, inscriptions, walk, scramble, climb, or execute some other the Caney Fork River in White County, Conant, A. J. carvings, and/or other recognizable markings; movement(s)? Is there any obvious evidence of Tennessee. Ohio Valley Historical Archaeology 1879 Archaeology. In Switzler’s Illustrated 8. specific observations on the presence or previous disturbance or looting? 24:111-121. History of Missouri from 1541 to 1877, edited by Chancy R. Barnes, pp. 3-122. Chancy R. absence of cultural debris (e.g., pottery and Taking into account how little we presently Ball, Donald B., Marcia E. Hemming, and John C. Barnes, St. Louis. lithic material); know about these stones, it seems well-advised Waggoner, Jr. 2008 Comments on Early Stone Fence Corliss, William R. 9. discussion of condition including mention to encourage regional archaeologists to con- Construction in Rural Middle Tennessee. Ohio 1978 Ancient Man: A Handbook of Puzzling of lichens, salts, cracks, animal activity/nests/ sider adopting and actively using a uniform set Valley Historical Archaeology 23:84-100. Artifacts. The Sourcebook Project, Glen Arm, droppings, and percentage of the rock feature of reporting standards for these monuments in Bartram, William Maryland. covered by these (i.e., conditions – including the process of coming to better understand their 1955 Travels of William Bartram, edited by Mark Cox, P. E. weathering [cf. Bauer et al. 2002] – which role and significance within the cultural context Van Doren. Dover Publications, Inc. New York 1929 Preliminary Report of Explorations at might influence future interpretive or conserva- of the peoples who erected them. (originally published 1791, London, and 1791, the Old Stone Fort, Manchester, Tennessee. tion efforts; although the cleaning of old stones James & Johnson, Philadelphia). Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences is briefly discuss in Strangstad [1995:60-63], Bauer, Andrew, Joseph T. Hannibal, Claudia Britt 4(1):1-7. this procedure is best undertaken only by prop- References Cited Hanson, and Jesse V. Elmore Day, Sherman erly trained individuals); 2002 Distribution in Time, Provenance, 1843 Historical Collections of Pennsylvania; and Weathering of Gravestones in Three Containing a Copious Selection of the Most Adair, James Northeastern Ohio Cemeteries. Ohio Journal Interesting Facts, Traditions, Biographical 1930 Adair’s History of the American Indians, of Science 102(4):82-96. 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Stewart, W. C. Wassell, William H. Wirt, Alvin Bryant vious markers as large standing stones. Although the 1884 Stone Mounds in the Kenawha Valley. 1894 The Religion of the Sioux. Harper’s 1954 The Upper Cumberland of Pioneer Times. megalith at Standing Stone may have been located American Antiquarian and Oriental Journal New Monthly Magazine 89(534; Privately published, Washington, DC (accessi- near this thoroughfare, there is no compelling rea- 6(2; March):108-109. November):945-953. ble at:
Little Tennessee Valley hover around AD 400.” were either killed, or buried, till the bones could the Clinch River near present-day Oak Ridge, great depression in the land). Anthony Laubach, 5. The literature relating to these early stone (and be gathered: there they add Pelion to Ossa, still passed through Winter’s Gap (Oliver Springs), father of Charles, remembered stone-paved earth and stone) structures in the Upland South and increasing each heap, as a lasting monument, and crossed the Emory River near present- Indian fire-places set along the river margin in adjacent areas is voluminous in its own right and in- and honour to them, and an incentive to great day Wartburg. It passed through present-day the alluvium extending from Riegelsville Bridge cludes (but is by no means limited to) sources such actions. Lansing to Johnson’s Stand, followed a ridge to to the mouth of Durham Creek. The circular ar- as Ball (2010), Brinkley (1880), Conant (1879:45), Standing Stone (Monterey), and then went on to eas, raised about 12 or 18 inches, and about 6 feet Cox (1929), de Baillou (1962:16-18), DeJarnette Bartram (1955:283) noted that along the trading the Cumberland settlements (Nashville). Major in diameter, composed of burnt stones imbedded et al. (1973:115-136, 160-166), Edmunds (1890), path in North Carolina where General Middleton George Walton directed the soldiers working on in ashes, did not extend in a straight line, but Faulkner (1968, 1998), Fish et al. (1978:24-36), had killed a great number of Cherokee warriors he this earliest road. This northern route was also were irregularly disposed, and appeared to stop Fitzwater (2010), Holstein (2007, 2009), Holstein “observed on each side of the road many vast heaps known as Avery’s Trace, the old North Carolina at a place seemingly devoted to the manufac- and Little (1985), Holstein et al. (1989), Hudson of these stones, Indian graves undoubtedly.” Road, and later Emery Road. ture of arrowheads. Then, beginning again, they (2008), Jefferies (1975, 1976), Jefferies and Fish 6. Researching the distribution of megaliths re- continued to the entrance of the cave [Durham (1978), and Jones (1999:381). Additional sources lying on place names alone is further complicated While it is true enough that the Standing Stone Cave]. Seen first about 1812 they remained until include Kellar (1960), Kengla (1885), Loubser by the use of the term “Standing Stone” for natu- which formerly stood near present day Monterey, 1841, when the great freshet for which that year and Frink (2010), Loubser and Hudson (2005), ral formations such as a prominent sandstone hill Tennessee, might have been a convenient and well- was famous destroyed them all. The digging of Lowry (2010), Miller (1959), Muller (2010), Myer near Lancaster, (Fairfield County) Ohio (cf. Stout known reference point for a late eighteenth century the Delaware and Lackawanna Canal had pre- (1922:148-149; n.d.a), Niquette (1986), Oakley 1952; see also Howe 1875:161-162), and a large boundary line, Myer’s (1928:835; n.d.a:Chapter V) viously obliterated a large portion of the village (1976), Oakley and Futato (1975), Peet (1878:102- stone in the Susquehanna River near the settlement comment that “After it had fallen down some of the site with other fire-places. Cultivation continu- 105), Robertson (2010), Sanders (1991), Setzler of Wyalusing in Bradford County, (northeastern) early settlers made some excavations under it, and ing the work of destruction, finally completed it (1930), Shackleton (1893), Smith (1962), Squier Pennsylvania, described by Sayre (1873:115; see found ashes and charcoal that seemed to have been when three mounds on the top of the hill behind and Davis (1848:184-185), Steelhammer (2009, also Inners et al. 2003) as “erect and stationary, buried there” suggests that this stone both served the cave, about 20 feet in diameter by 6 to 8 2010), Stewart (1884), Thomas (1891, 1894:407- measuring forty feet in and out of the water.” The some long standing ceremonial function and was in feet high and extending in alignment north and 411, 435), Webb (1938:159-161, 363), Whisenhunt phrase “standing stones” has been applied to irregu- place prior to any historic era Cherokee claim on this south, were ploughed down by William Walters (2009), Whittlesey (1883:627-628), and Wilkins larly shaped natural sandstone pillars (locally known area. in 1853-55. (1981). The collective significance of this body of as “tea tables”) in eastern Ohio (cf. Murphy 2004). 8. Lt. William H. Wassell (1894:946) of the Walters, who had measured before destroy- literature as it relates to the study of Upland South Likewise, the place name “Standing Rock” is used United States Army later observed that: ing them, had found or noticed nothing in them. megaliths should not be taken lightly. The practice in southeastern Kentucky to designate a “large sand- The standing rock from which the principal An Indian trail had followed the right bank of of erecting and using standing stones did not exist in stone slab of several hundred tons which stands on Sioux agency takes its name is a large stone. Durham Creek for some distance inland along its a cultural vacuum and they were part and parcel of end like a huge grave marker …on top of a moun- One story makes it a runaway girl turned into ravine from which another trail, passing through a well-established architectural tradition which ex- tain” near the convergence of the Lee, Wolfe, and stone with her baby on her back when pursued an Indian clearing on the top of the hill above isted prior to their construction and continued long Powell county lines (Rennick 1984:281). by her father and brothers. Another story makes the cave, returned down the slope to the vil- after they had fallen into disuse. 7. For example, Tennessee State Historian Walter it originally an Arickaree [sic; Arikara] object of lage. When Charles Laubach saw this clearing, It would be remiss not to observe that there is T. Durham (2004:28) has remarked, “At Standing worship that became sacred to the Sioux when a — which remained surrounded by a forest as considerable debate between and among regional Stone one can view a boundary marker stone erect- warrior, defiling the idol, was killed shortly af- late as 1855, — it comprised about seven acres, archaeologists regarding the origin (prehistoric or ed in pre-settlement years by American Indians…” terward by its worshippers. Whatever its origin, and ran from [page 155] east to south in longest historic) of many of these examples of stone archi- There is no known archaeological or ethnohistorical it was held in great reverence. diameter. Both in the clearing and close to the tecture, most notably rock mounds which are often evidence to support this proposed function. Durham neighboring three mounds, grooved stone axes attributed to early field clearing activities. This issue may have been influenced by Smith (1998:986) who 9. Although the focus of this study is directed were found, while at a point some distance up is discussed at length in Gresham (1990; see also observed: toward megaliths in the Upland South, it is not inap- the river and close to the present Morgantown Whisenhunt 2009). Often cited early accounts sup- The earlier northern route from East to propriate to insert a series of comments from a pa- Road, Mr. Laubach remembers having seen from porting the pre- and early-settlement construction of Middle Tennessee followed sections of an old per titled “An Exploration of Durham Cave, Bucks twelve to fifteen standing stones, the survivors of stone mounds by Native Americans include com- Indian trail known as Tollunteeskee’s Trail. County, Pennsylvania, in 1893” by Henry C. Mercer a group of about twenty-five formerly observed ments by both James Adair and William Bartram. Long hunter James Smith used this trail as early (1897:154-155) describing “a group of about twen- by Mr. Walters, all of which save one about 3 Adair (1930:193-194) remarked that: as 1766. The Cherokees claimed the territory ty-five …monoliths” which once stood in a village feet high, now remaining as a boundary mark To perpetuate the memory of any remark- between the Clinch River and a treaty line west site near this cave along Durham Creek in the south- by the Morgantown roadside and seen by me in able warriors killed in the woods, I must here of Standing Stone (Monterey) and disputed the eastern corner of the state of Pennsylvania: 1893, were afterwards used to build the wall of a observe, that every Indian traveller [sic] as he right of whites to pass through their land without According to Mr. Charles Laubach, mounds, neighboring barnyard. passes that way throws a stone on the place, ac- permission… trails, clearings, and abundant fire-sites at the The monoliths must have been carried to the cording as he likes or dislikes the occasion, or In 1787 North Carolina legislators approved spot marked the position of the Indian village spot by Indians, since the rock in situ is lime- manner of the death of the deceased. a second road act, which again ordered a road referred to in certain Pennsylvanian records stone, and the Potsdam sandstone of which they In the woods we often see innumerable heaps [Avery Trace] cut and cleared from the south end of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as consisted does not occur within two miles of the of small stones in those places, where according of Clinch Mountain to Nashville. Peter Avery Pechequeolin (Pechotwoallenk, where there is a place… to tradition some of their distinguished people blazed a trail to mark the route which crossed 62 Journal of Alabama Archaeology [Vol. 56, No. 1, 2010 Ball and Waggoner] Megaliths in the Upland South 63
10. In a recent study of the Crystal River Mounds, Another example of a possible – but certainly not with his stern face lowering towards the south; (West Virginia), Ms. Carol West (Tennessee), Dr. Pluckhahn et el. (2010:177) remark that one of the confirmed – southeastern megalith was reported in and there, if not destroyed by vandalism, the Kit W. Wesler (Kentucky), and Mr. Roger B. Wise radiocarbon dates from material associated with a short article titled “The Legend of Chicameca’s stone image of the prehistoric warrior will re- (West Virginia) for their gracious assistance, input, Stelae 1 “has a calibrated range extending from Head” by Herbert Sales Halbert published in the main for ages to come. and/or suggestions in the process of moving this A.D. 350 to 890.” Significantly, they further com- May 1886 issue of the The American Antiquarian Such is the legend of “Chicameca’s Head,” as study forward. This undertaking could not have been ment that following Ripley P. Bullen’s excavations and Oriental Journal. We have found no later descrip- was related to the writer some years ago by W. brought to its present state of completion without at this site a third stelae “was discovered later and tions of this piece and it remains open to question if T. Lewis, Esq., of Winston County, who in early their unselfish and greatly appreciated support. We remains poorly understood.” Although the third ste- this stone was erected by human hands or simply a life heard it from the lips of an aged Choctaw. likewise gratefully acknowledge the kind efforts of lae is not further described in their article, it appears natural outcrop which was subsequently anthropo- Dr. Charles H. Faulkner, Dr. Harry O. Holstein, Dr. that all three examples were fashioned from locally morphized. Louisville, the county seat of Winston H. S. Halbert Johannes H. N. Loubser, and Mr. Norman E. Muller available “limestone slabs that eroded up from the County, is located in the east-central portion of the Philadelphia, Mississippi (all longtime students of Native American rock art in surface of the limestone stratum that underlies the state of Mississippi. Although cited by several later the eastern United States), and Dr. Kit W. Wesler (a site” (Milanich 1999:23). The cultural relationship works (e.g., Brescia 1985:12-13, erroneously at- Acknowledgments. The authors extend a very sincere student of the archaeology of religion) who took the (if any) between the Crystal River stelae (and, in- tributed therein to John R. Swanton), Halbert’s brief “thank you” to Mr. Willard S. Bacon (Tennessee), time to review and comment on an advanced draft of deed, similar standing stones in the Upland South) to comments appear to be both the earliest and only Mr. Tracy Brown (Tennessee), Dr. Ashley A. Dumas this article. Their guidance and invaluable sugges- megaliths (cf. Holmes 1885) and stelae (cf. Adams report of this stone. This seems like the type of lo- (Alabama), Dr. Charles H. Faulkner (Tennessee), tions markedly improved both the cohesiveness and 1977:145; Sanders 1977; Sharer and Traxler 2006) cal landmark that might be further mentioned in a Dr. Jay D. Franklin (Tennessee), Mr. Eugene scope of this study. A special note of appreciation is in Mesoamerica remains a matter of conjecture. county history. As recorded by Halbert (1886): Futato (Alabama), Ms. Valerie Glesner (Alabama), extended to Dr. Harry O. Holstein who went “above 11. It goes without saying that promising leads To the Editor American Antiquarian: Mr. George Heinrich (Tennessee), Mr. Charles D. and beyond the call of duty” in both peer reviewing for locating additional Upland South megaliths and About six miles south west of Louisville, Hockensmith (Kentucky), Dr. Harry O. Holstein this paper and generously sharing information with other examples of stone architecture are where one Mississippi, upon the crest of a high hill in the (Alabama), Dr. Vernon James Knight, Jr. (Alabama), us which he had collected on megaliths in Alabama. finds them. The following comments were observed midst of a primeval forest, stands an upright Dr. Johannes “Jannie” H. N. Loubser (Georgia), Dr. Ms. Marcia E. Hemming (Louisville, Kentucky) while searching for information on the Internet and stone, about three feet high, cropping out of the Robert F. Maslowski (West Virginia), Mr. Steven provided both ongoing encouragement and editorial oversight. Despite the volume of advice and counsel appear herein as a matter of record: earth, which bears a rude resemblance to a gi- Meredith (Alabama), Mr. Norman E. Muller (New we have received, any errors in fact or interpretation Stone Circle near Chimney Rock N.C. U.S.A. gantic human bust—head, neck, and shoulders. Jersey), Mr. David E. Rotenizer (West Virginia), Ms. remain the responsibility of the authors. Near Chimney Rock in North Carolina I was This stone had early attracted the attention of the Kristin Scarr (West Virginia), Mr. Scott D. Speedy able to visit a stone circle here in the United Choctaws, who called it “Chicameca’s Head,” States that is reported to be several hundred and the following legend was related by them in years old. I did not have a camera with me when regard to it: I was there but the circle there is made up of 36 At some period in the far distant past, the good sized stones and it is supposed to be rather Choctaws lived in a western country, where they ancient. It was written about in the mid 1700’s so were tributary to a powerful people called the we know it is much older than that. The Native Chicamecas. From some cause, they resolved to Americans who were in the area at that time said leave this country and seek a new home toward fierce yellow haired men came from the north the rising sun. After crossing the Mississippi, and erected the circle of stones many years be- they heard, to their dismay, that a large army of fore and this was the story being told in 1730. It Chicamecas, under their chief Chicameca, was sounds as if Vikings or something of that type in hot pursuit, resolved to force them to return to may have visited western North Carolina much the land of bondage. before 1730. Nearby the stone circle are sev- Chicameca finally overtook the fugitives, eral graves covered with stones (Web site titled and gave them the alternative of obedience to “Stone Circle” accessible at: