Sunday, September 5, 2010

New Stone Chamber Discovered

With the study of primitive structures around my immediate area being firmly lodged into my psyche, my awareness to land formations and subsequent stone formations has led to a more discerning eye upon what may be under or around the seemingly well trodden paths. Often, one may pass by dozens of potential "cultural sites" without knowing they are there, for the desire of an easier traversing through forests and fields. Recently, it was my pleasure to discover (for my self if nothing else) a "chamber" or room undoubtedly built by humans to contain something of importance. I list it as such a vague title because of the conflict in "origin" that often follows such chambers and sites throughout New England. Here are a few pictures of the chamber found in Rochester, VT:
The above and below pictures are demonstrative of careful laying and placement of stones in a circular pattern, recessed beneath the ground. The top picture is just inside the entrance looking at the ceiling and rear wall. The bottom picture is looking slightly downward through the entrance at the real wall.

Top: View looking down from entrance. Approx 8-10ft depth. Bottom: Outside view of small entrance and very large single stone cap enclosure.
This "chamber" is located in close proximity to older crumbling walls and piles of stone. along the same elevation line are other stone pilings and arrangements. This particular "chamber" has a south facing entrance with sunlight filtering downward through the opening at noon in early Sept. Planetary declinations have not yet been determined.
It is entirely possible that this could have been a colonial structure dating to the origin of the adjacent farm. It's use could have ranged from a well to a food storage chamber. I find it particularly interesting that it falls in line with other structures in the area which are not associated with known farming practices by colonials or later farmers. It is possible that these are structures made by pre-colonial or colonial era Native Americans. Whichever the source, it is interesting that there is a concentration of stone phenomena in the Rochester area that has no known explanation by Colonial European, Early American, or known Vermont history. There is much more research to be done for sure but this is certainly an interesting find!