Salem New Hampshire Stonehenge RV Travel Destinations

America’s Stonehenge

On a few acres of granite hillside in Salem, New Hampshire sits a mysterious collection of rock walls and structures that have mystified historians and archaeologists for ages. No one knows who created this maze of chambers, ceremonial places, and astronomical alignments, but its ancient builders were obviously well versed in both astronomy and stone construction. The site is an accurate astronomically aligned calendar and to this day can be used to determine specific solar and lunar events of the year.

The secrets of its origin are lost in time, but America’s Stonehenge has revealed many clues to its history. Archaeological excavations have uncovered an amazing range of historic and prehistoric artifacts, ranging from stone tools, pottery, and ancient Old World scripts to eighteenth and nineteenth century housewares and implements. Excavation of a fire pit has revealed evidence of humans at the site over 7,000 years ago. It is believed the site once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and digs at Stonehenge have revealed manacles believed to have been removed from fugitive slaves in the 1830s and 1840s.

Some think America’s Stonehenge was built by an ancient Native American culture who used it as a place of ceremony and sacrifice. Others believe a mysterious race of migrant Europeans may be responsible. Whoever it was, their achievements are remarkable when you consider the crude construction practices and technology of their time. This is most likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States. There are several other similar sites in New England of the same mysterious origin, but the New Hampshire site is the largest and best documented.

America’s Stonehenge opened to the public under the name Mystery Hill Caves in 1958. In 1982 the name was changed to America’s Stonehenge to better reflect what is believed is the true origin of the site. Over the years exploration and excavation have continued to try to unlock its mysteries.

A tour of America’s Stonehenge begins at the Visitor Center, where artifacts unearthed in the site’s various excavations are displayed. The Visitor Center has a small theater where you can watch an interesting video on the site.

From the Visitor Center, a marked trail leads uphill to the Main Site. This trail is not suitable for those in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking. Along the way, stop and visit with the three resident alpacas. Cousins to the llama, alpacas were domesticated in South America about 5,000 years ago to provide fine clothing for Inca royalty. Following the Spanish Conquest, the animals nearly became extinct, and it was not until the mid-1800s that the qualities of alpaca fleece were rediscovered and the animals began to make a comeback.

The Main Site is only a portion of a complex series of walls and structures at America’s Stonehenge. At one time a settler named Jonathan Pattee had a home here, and used part of the old stone walls as a foundation for his cabin. Pattee used some of the stone chambers for storage. Unfortunately, he also modified some of the walls to meet his needs during his occupation of the area. At one time a quarry also operated at the site, and it is feared important structures may have been destroyed during this period as well.

Researchers have been able to differentiate between the original structures and Pattee’s work, and signs along the trails identify significant points of interest. Among these are one eight ton slab that is believed to have served as a roof for one or more chambers. A cutout at the bottom of the slab is believed to have been used as a levering point to move the massive stone slab. Another stone slab has a hole bored at 90 degrees through it at one edge, and may have been used as a gate post, similar to ones found in Malta, though its actual purpose is unknown.

Many of the structures show what may be a European influence. A set of stone steps excavated in 1955 were believed to have led down into a courtyard surrounded by several structures that have disappeared over time. In Europe such arrangements were called Megaron Areas.

One of the most interesting structures at the site is the Oracle Chamber, with its Speaking Tube and Secret Bed. Words spoken through the stone-lined Speaking Tube exit outside the chamber under the Sacrificial Table. Below the Speaking Tube is the Secret Bed, a rock niche large enough for a person to crawl into and be completely hidden, but still able to observe all activity through a small hidden opening near the floor. What ancient soothsayer may have used this chamber? Across from the Speaking Tube and Secret Bed is a seat of bedrock estimated at 45 tons that was split and moved from the opposite wall of the chamber. To sit in the dark on this seat and ponder the significance of this chamber and speculate on what may have happened here long ago is quite an experience.

Outside the Oracle Chamber is the nearly five ton Sacrificial Table, a grooved slab whose purpose is still debated by researchers. It is believed to have been used for sacrifices, due to its location above the Speaking Tube and the carved channel that would carry away blood.

The three section East-West Chamber is the only chamber at the site that does not have a south-facing opening. This chamber is similar to ancient European structures, and may have some astronomical significance. Some believe that it was used as a galley grave.

From a viewing platform constructed in 1975, you can see the major astronomical alignments of the different walls and strategically placed stones. Included in these are stones for true north alignments and winter and summer solstice sunrises and sunsets.

From the Main Site, a path leads to the Astronomical Trail, a series of stone walls and monolithic astronomical alignments that continue to amaze modern scientists for their accuracy. These structures range in age from 1500 B.C. to 650 A.D. and are a testament to the skill and knowledge of the mysterious people who built America’s Stonehenge. We may never know who these ancient engineers were, but just to see the remains of their work is an experience to be remembered.

America’s Stonehenge is located in Salem, New Hampshire, about thirty miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Parking is rather limited, so taking a large RV would not be recommended. Park at a nearby campground or shopping center and drive your tow vehicle or dinghy. For more information, call 603-893- 8300, write them at America’s Stonehenge, P.O. Box 84, Salem, New Hampshire 03073, or visit their website at www.stonehengeusa.com