work in progress
Unearthing the Colossal Shadows: Biblical Giants and the Mysteries of
Watertown, NY
Watertown, New York, a city nestled along the Black River, is known for its rich
history, architectural beauty, and proximity to the stunning Thousand Islands.
But beneath the surface of its well-documented past, some intriguing and often
overlooked narratives whisper of a time when colossal beings roamed the earth.
While mainstream history books rarely touch upon it, a fascinating and
speculative connection exists between ancient biblical accounts of giants and
archaeological findings, oral traditions, and local folklore surrounding
Watertown. The Bible, in various passages, speaks of "giants" or "Nephilim" –
formidable beings of immense stature and strength. Genesis 6:4 famously states,
"There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the
sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them,
the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." Other books, like
Numbers and Deuteronomy, also mention races of giants like the Anakim and
Rephaim, whose formidable size struck fear into the hearts of ancient
Israelites. While these accounts are typically associated with the Middle East,
a surprising number of researchers and enthusiasts have begun to connect these
ancient narratives to North American prehistory, and specifically, to locations
like Watertown. The "Mound Builders" and Unconventional Discoveries Before
European settlement, the landscape of North America was dotted with thousands of
earthen mounds, constructed by various indigenous cultures over millennia. These
"Mound Builders" left behind an impressive legacy of sophisticated societies,
intricate trade networks, and often, tantalizing archaeological anomalies. For
centuries, excavators, both amateur and professional, have reported the
discovery of unusually large human skeletal remains within these mounds.
And
Jefferson County New York having some of the highest concentrations of them in
all of North American Mounds.
Rodman Mounds
Rutland Mounds
Perch Lake Mounds
Dry
Hill Mounds
Calcium Mounds
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Watertown and the surrounding
Jefferson County grew, many such mounds were leveled for agriculture and
development. Reports from local newspapers and historical societies of the time
occasionally detailed the exhumation of remains that seemed to defy conventional
understanding of human size. These accounts, often sensationalized, spoke of
skeletons measuring seven, eight, and even nine feet tall, accompanied by
unusually large artifacts. While many of these claims lack rigorous scientific
documentation by modern standards, they form a compelling part of the region's
historical curiosity. One of the most frequently cited examples, though
difficult to verify with concrete evidence today, involves purported discoveries
along the Black River and near prominent waterways that would have served as
ancient trade routes. Local historians and hobbyists sometimes refer to "giant
bones" found during early canal constructions or agricultural clearing, hinting
at a forgotten past where such beings might have been more common. Native
American Oral Traditions: Echoes of Giants Adding another layer to this
intriguing puzzle are the oral traditions of various Native American tribes,
many of whom historically inhabited or passed through the Watertown area. Many
indigenous cultures across North America have their own stories of giant people
who predated them or lived alongside them. The Iroquois, whose ancestral lands
encompass parts of upstate New York, have legends of powerful, large beings.
While these narratives don't directly reference "biblical" giants, the common
thread of immense, ancient humanoids is striking. These stories often describe
giants as either benevolent, powerful protectors or formidable, sometimes
cannibalistic, adversaries.
These legends, passed down through generations, speak to a deep-seated memory
within these cultures of encounters with or knowledge of beings far larger than
ordinary humans. Could these be the same "giants" that some believe are
referenced in biblical texts, their presence spanning continents and cultures?
Reconciling Faith, Science, and Folklore The idea of biblical giants in
Watertown presents a fascinating challenge to conventional historical and
archaeological understanding. Skeptics rightly point to the lack of verifiable,
peer-reviewed scientific evidence for giant human skeletons of the magnitude
described in folklore. Many early reports of "giants" were likely exaggerated,
misidentified animal bones, or even hoaxes. Furthermore, the concept of "giants"
can sometimes be explained by individuals with gigantism, a known medical
condition, though the consistent reports of entire populations of such beings
remain unexplained by this alone. However, proponents of the giant theory argue
that much of the evidence may have been suppressed, lost, or simply
misinterpreted by an academic establishment reluctant to challenge prevailing
paradigms. They suggest that the sheer volume of historical reports, coupled
with indigenous oral traditions, warrants further investigation. The possibility
that some of these ancient "Mound Builders" or precursor populations were indeed
of unusual stature, perhaps even connecting to a broader global phenomenon,
remains an intriguing proposition. For those in Watertown and beyond who are
open to exploring the less conventional corners of history, the concept of
biblical giants adds a layer of ancient mystique to the region. It invites us to
look at the familiar landscape with new eyes, pondering what colossal secrets
might still lie buried beneath the fields and rivers, waiting to be
rediscovered.
Mounds of Jefferson County 2nd Highest in County- 1 Catalina Island
The "mounds" on Dry Hill in Jefferson County, New York (located just southeast
of Watertown), are part of a fascinating series of pre-contact indigenous
earthworks. While often overshadowed by the larger "annular mounds" at nearby
Perch Lake, the Dry Hill site is historically significant as a former fortified
village. The Dry Hill Earthworks Unlike the simple burial mounds found in other
parts of the country, the structures on Dry Hill were primarily defensive
embankments and habitation remains. The Enclosure: Early archaeological surveys
(notably by E.G. Squier in the mid-19th century) described a large, somewhat
circular embankment following the brow of the hill. At the time of discovery,
some sections of the wall stood nearly 3 feet high. Village Life: The area
inside the embankment was found to be covered in "carbonaceous
matter"—essentially ancient trash heaps. These contained burned stones, pottery
fragments, and animal bones, indicating it was once a populous aboriginal town.
The "Mounds" Within: What early settlers called "mounds" on this site were often
actually "lodge sites" or "camp bottoms." These were circular depressions (20 to
30 feet in diameter) surrounded by a ring of debris and charcoal, representing
the remains of longhouses or circular dwellings where fires were kept.
Key
Characteristics Feature Description Origin Attributed to the St. Lawrence
Iroquoians (Late Precontact period, roughly A.D. 1300–1500). Composition Earth,
fire-shattered rock, charcoal, and organic refuse. Function Defensive
fortifications and foundations for residential structures. Current Status Most
of these features have been heavily leveled by decades of agriculture and
development (including the local ski area).
Perch Lake Mound
It is easy to confuse Dry Hill with the Perch Lake Mounds (about 10 miles
away). The Perch Lake mounds are unique "annular" or doughnut-shaped rings that
are much more numerous (over 70-200 recorded historically). Unlike the Dry Hill
village site, the Perch Lake rings contain almost no artifacts or food remains,
leading some archaeologists to believe they were used for specific rituals or
specialized processing rather than daily living. Modern-Day Access Today, Dry
Hill is best known as a ski and tubing area. Most of the ancient earthworks are
on private property or have been obscured by the ski slopes and farming. Because
these sites are sensitive archaeological resources, they are generally not
marked for public hiking to prevent looting or further degradation.
Different Articles from Rodman to Rutland New York.
History of Jefferson county in the State of New York.
Published 1854
Page 13 of Book. 21 of PDF
Colossal- Giant 50ft tall double row teeth, Killed many men -Slain .
Jefferson county prior 1797
Robert Lansing 1905
The whole Iroquois myth of creation starts right here in Northern New York.
And the location of Mounds within just a few miles..
Both complete books will be available for download.
