Seneca Chief Claims Square Earthworks in Pennsylvania Were Built by White Indians

Seneca Chief Claims Square Earthworks Were Built 

by White Indians

Otzinachson: A History of the West Branch Valley of the 

Susquehanna, 1889

   That the valley of the West Branch was inhabited by a superior race, of whom we have no account, appears to be evident. Traces of peculiar fortifications, resembling, those found in some of the Western States, are yet to be pointed out. One of these existed on the farm of Mr. Shoemaker, on the north side of Muncy Creek, it was square and consisted of embankments thrown up in regular order, covering about one fourth of an acre. A similar one existed on the farm of Gov. Shultz, below Williamsport. On the other side of the river, nearly opposite the mouth of Lycoming Creek, was found another, resembling the one on Muncy Creek, traces of which can probably be seen to this day. Mr. Shoemaker of Muncy, now an old man, but with memory bright and mind unimpaired, informs me that years ago he made a personal examination of this latter fortification, and found all the embankments well defined. Large trees were growing upon them, however, the concentric circles of which would indicate many hundred years of growth, and entirely preclude the idea of their having been thrown up by the Anglo Saxon race. Mr. Shoemaker also states that many years ago he made inquiry of an old Seneca Chief concerning them, but all the information the old Indian could give, was that he had it from his ancestors that they were erected by White Indians. Of them we have no definite knowledge whatever.