West Virginia's Massive Ancient Dams
“The ruins of the ancient stone dams, which are to be found in various places in Wyoming, McDowell, Boone, and Raleigh counties in West Virginia are at the present time attracting no small amount of attention from scientific archaeologists."
“These dams in their original condition extended entirely across the valleys of the streams, from one hill to the other, and according to the very conservative estimates made by Col. J. R. Irwin were in many cases over 100 feet in height and 200 feet in width at their base. They are now in most cases covered up almost to their tops by alluvial accumulations, and the streams have worn passages down through them in many places almost to their very foundations, which is not to be wondered at when we consider their great age. “These dams are composed of very odd looking, wedge-shaped stones, the largest of which would weigh less than 100 pounds
