NEARA Solstice

Ancient civilizations in the Americas were not any different than the ancient civilizations from all over the world who built stone monuments that align to the sun, moon, and stars.
These three Winter Solstice sunrise aligning Stone Chambers in Putnam County NY show that archaeoastronomy was practiced in North America by ancient people far back in antiquity.
These three Winter Solstice sunrise aligning Stone Chambers in Putnam County NY show that archaeoastronomy was practiced in North America by ancient people far back in antiquity. 

 

Stone Chamber or Ammunition Bunker? You Decide...

There has been a lot of speculation about the origins and purpose of this stone chamber located on Ninham Mountain in Kent NY.  Local historians say it was built as an ammunition storage bunker during the Revolutionary War although there is no real evidence to support this hypothesis. The most compelling evidence against the structure having been built completely in the 18th century is the surrounding environment.  The chamber is facing SE with a beautiful view of a roaring brook.  In the immediate area are two corbelled stone chambers, a perched boulder, a stone lined well, and many miles of stone walls.  The mountain is named after Chief Daniel Ninham, the last Native American Sachem of the Wappinger tribe who's village was located near the mountain.  Ninham also fought for George Washington in the Revolutionary War, just to add to the mystery. Whatever this structure may or may not be, it sure has a spectacular Winter Solstice sunrise alignment!  This picture was taken early morning on December 24, 2010 by NEARA Member Teresa Bierce.