America's Stonehenge or Mystery Hill

America's Stonehenge is the name of the megalith in North Salem, New Hampshire. The site is sometimes referred to as "Mystery Hill". While the site does not realy resemble England's Stonehenge, it is a fascinating archeological site. The 110 acre site has many subterranean stone structures, standing stones, and stone walls. Most of the structures and stones are oriented with astronomical significance. The Watch House, for example, is aligned directly for illumination of it's crystaline back wall on February 1st.

The exact history of America's Stonehenge reamins uncertain. Carbon dating of artifacts found at the site reveal dates from 2,000 B.C. to 995 B.C. The astronomical orientation of the stones suggest a date of around 2,000 B.C. The architecture seems to fit in with ancient Celtic building styles.

Besides the Watch House there are other fascinating structures at America's Stonehenge. The Upton Chamber is a huge below ground structure, made entirely of stone. The Oracle Chamber has a "speaking tube" which acts as a megaphone to an altar above the structure.

Perhaps the best thing about America's Stonehenge is it's accessability to the amateur archaeologist. The site is open year round, 7 days a week - see their website for a complete schedule. An entrance fee helps pay for the site's upkeep and continued research.

Map, Y Map

Links:

Official Website for America's Stonehenge

The Mysterious Megaliths of New England By Paul Tudor Angel