Ancient Iroquois Fort Photographed in DeKalb County, Indiana

Dekalb County

The earthwork is not recognized as a historic site or preserved. Several years ago (before being dissolved), the notorious archaeologists from IPFW trenched this earthwork. It is not known if they restored their dig or left a massive gap in the earthwork. This type of circular earthwork was common along the southern tier of the Great Lakes, extending back to New York state. The date of this earthwork is Late Woodland pr about 200-800 A.D.  Proto-Iroquois artifacts of the Point Peninsula Culture have been found throughout Northeast Indiana. 

History of the Maumee River Basin, 1905

   Beginning in the northwestern part of the basin and following down the streams, we note first, a circular ridge of earth on the moraine, in the northeastern and highest part of Smithfield Township, Dekalb County, Indiana. The ridge is rather indefinite in part, with indications of possibly two original openings, while in other places it is yet nearly three feet in height. Its diameter is about 200 feet,

85 Burial Mound and Earthworks in Indiana photographed with histories and directions to the site.

 Ancient Iroquois Burial Mound and Manitou or Spirit Stones Located in Noble County, Indiana

    Certain rocks were believed to be endowed with spirits of the ancient Iroquois Indians. Some of these were rocks that had the appearance of a face.  The other type and most common were stones with a grooved band on the top. 

This rock with a face was situated next to a burial mound in Noble County, Indiana.  This spirit stone would have been used to protect the dead from evil spirits.

The spirit stone was located next to this burial mound that is situated next to a natural spring.

This spirit stone was located at the same site on a hill that once featured a circular earthen fortification. This type of spirit stone has also been referred to as the "Pipe of the Manitou."

 

Ancient Iroquois Earthen Fortification Revealed in Lidar Image Near Fort Wayne, Indiana

On the north side of the bend, the remains of the Iroquois, horseshoe-shaped earthwork is clearly visible in the Lidar image.  The forts' approximate location is direct across from Riverbend Golf Course. For more pictures and historical documentation of this earthwork in Fort Wayne, Indiana www.nephilimgiants.net : Iroquois Fort Photograph 800 A.D. Fort Wayne Indiana

The earthen banks of the Iroquois earthwork is still visible on the St. Joseph River, north of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

85 ancient earthworks photographed and directions provided in Indiana