The mysteries surrounding Stonehenge have been ongoing for centuries now, with archeologists and researchers only just beginning to unravel what may have placed these stone monoliths in such seemingly specific locations. While it's the belief of many that this is the only mysterious rock formation that was left behind by an ancient civilization, there's one place that has joined its intriguing ranks.

In Salem, New Hampshire, there sit the remains of what was believed to be a stone community. What's left behind now are ruins that have left some clues for archeologists but not enough to definitively say who its residents were, and why they lived there. Visiting these structures is an interesting experience, especially for those who believe the site may have had a mystical or ritualistic origin.

The Only Known History Of America's Stonehenge

It's not even known whether these stone remnants were put there by Native Americans or European settlers, which only deepens the mystery even further. Since there's no way to know who's responsible for these various stone chambers, it's tough to pinpoint exactly what they were placed there for - but researchers have some pretty good guesses.

Estimated as being the oldest man-made structure in America, carbon dating has determined that these stones were placed in this spot roughly 4,000 years ago. It's also believed that in a similar manner to Europe's Stonehenge, the stones were placed in accordance with some type of astronomy-based calendar. The stones themselves can be used to accurately predict various lunar events which, in itself, is quite fascinating. A sign that visitors pass on their way into the ancient settlement reads:

"... Located near the summit of Mystery Hill is a massive complex of stone chambers, walls, and large standing stones. Both radiocarbon dating and the placement of the astronomically oriented standing stones indicate this site was constructed at least 4,000 years ago. Like the Stonehenge of England, America's Stonehenge accurately plots many solar and lunar events, such as solstices and equinoxes as well as many ancient holidays."

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The Clues Left Behind At Mystery Hill

Several of the things surmised from the site left behind at Mystery hill are that it was used for either ceremonial or ritual purposes, but this still remains to be confirmed. The site includes what appear to be meeting rooms and various chambers, which could have held the purpose of practically anything during an ancient era. The unanswered mystery, however, is all part of why this ancient site is so alluring. The mystery opens up even more questions, though, with recorded evidence of things like pottery and stone tools. Therefore, it's believed that this was once a native site that was used for a number of things - not just one ceremony or ritual.

Other features of the area, such as massive fire pits, have led experts to believe that pottery was a major purpose of the site. However, not every finding is as innocent as the usage of fire for the making of bowls and clayware. According to New England Today, a huge slab of a table may have been used in sacrificial rituals - however, that, too, has yet to be confirmed. The evidence is somewhat damning, as the table weighs more than four tons and has an odd groove etched into one side, leading experts to believe it may have been used for draining purposes.

The table wouldn't otherwise make sense if it were built by colonial settlers, as they would have little use for such a feature. Just below this table is also what appears to be a narrow speaking tube that leads into a chamber below the table. It's unclear exactly what this is used for but, as one can imagine, it would make for a great Emerald City Wizard-like, behind-the-curtain presence.

Visiting America's Stonehenge At Mystery Hill

  • Hours of Operation: March 1st through October 31st, 9 AM - 5 PM daily / November 2nd through February 28th, 9 AM - 4 PM
  • Admission: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+), $8 for children ages 5-12
  • Gift Shop Hours: May 1st through October 31st, 9 AM - 4 PM / November 2nd through February 28th, 9 AM - 3 PM

While there are no definitive answers regarding America's Stonehenge, it's evident that whatever took place here was significant enough to erect an entire stone community in honor of it. The mysteries still abound in this massive stone-covered area, and its chambers remain empty physically, but, metaphorically, are still full of questions. The woodland surrounding the site at Mystery Hill is perfectly secluded yet doubles as the perfect location for such an astronomical - and, potentially, ritualistic - site. All of this to say that it's definitely worth the visit.

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