Tennessee. When the large aboriginal cemetery near Nashville was discovered and explored about two
years ago, at the instance of the Tennessee Historical Society, I undertook the duty of preparing a
pamphlet illustrating some of the fine types of pottery and other objects from the stone graves; but
the material worthy of illustration accumulated so rapidly that it was found impracticable to do justice
to it in the modest way contemplated, and the " pamphlet " has grown gradually into its present proportions.
It became necessary to consider the general subject of ancient monuments and antiquities in Tennessee, in
order to properly introduce the new material discovered, and thus render the publication useful to a larger
class of readers. It seemed also desirable to include a more complete summary, for the benefit of the large
number of students in Tennessee especially interested in its antiquities.
As the aboriginal remains of some portions of the neighboring states are very similar in character, I have
illustrated specimens from these states, when convenient and of interest, and have felt at liberty to include
them in the title to this publication.
“Prior to about 1673, Tennessee, infolded in her ancient forests and mountain barriers—in her insulation,
remote from ocean, lake, and gulf—was as unknown to the outer world as Central Africa. France claimed her
territory by right of discovery as part of Louisiana and Illinois. .Spain called it Florida and set up her right.
England assumed sovereignty over it as part of Virginia and Carolina, but none of them took possession. Even
its Indian claimants had to fight for their titles. Vincennes in Indiana, Kaskaekia in Illinois, and New Orleans
were founded. Texas and Missouri were colonized. Santa Fe, in New Mexico, a thousand miles and more to the west,
had become an old Spanish town ; yet Tennessee was still without name or description, save that it was marked
on the Xew World maps as " the unexplored land of the ancient Shawnees."
“In his study of pipes Mr. Thruston’s Chapter VI is of great interest...The Stone Grave Indians must have been
inveterate smokers, and pipemakers followed out their individual fancies and tastes. Some of the Steatile pipes
for neatness of outline would attract the smoker of to-day. Bird forms are constant, but one pipe found a few
miles from Nashville has an alligator on it, showing how far pipes or ideas had traveled.”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I - Introductory
Chapter II - The Ancient Graves and Earth-Works
Chapter III – The Ancient Houses-Aboriginal Trade
Chapter IV – Inscribed Stones, Images, Idols, Crania
Chapter V – The Ancient Pottery
Chapter VI – The Pipes
Chapter VII - Chipped Stone Implements
Chapter VIII – Smooth Stone Implements