Our Hidden Landscapes: Stone Cultural Features & Ceremonial Landscapes

A hike in the woods often reveals a variety of stone cultural features to the experienced archaeologist and historian. Many of these are the remains of abandoned farmsteads and industrial mill sites. Others, however, represent Native American ceremonial sites. This PowerPoint presentation is an overview of the various kinds of European-American and indigenous stone structures found on our Connecticut landscapes. State regulations support preservation of sacred Native American sites (that is, those of ritual significance). Unfortunately, they are often unrecognized for what they are and subsequently destroyed by development and suburban sprawl. Even on protected lands, destruction is possible through logging, landscaping, or building placement. it is important for archaeologist and members of land trusts and conservation organizations to be able to recognize these ceremonial sites within their properties, and inform the CT State Native American Heritage Advisory Council and Office of State Archaeology of their presence.