Ancient Stone Sites of New England and the Debate Over Early European Exploration, 2d ed.

In New England today there are megalithic stones, stone chambers and structures, carvings and petroglyphs, even an unidentified skeleton in armor that defy easy explanation. From Maine to Massachusetts, this work examines various unexplained historical remains in New England, exploring not only the layout and dimensions of such sites—some reminiscent of Stonehenge with their huge stones, astronomical alignments and undiscovered purposes—but also the history and possible explanations for their existence. Theories regarding Norse, Phoenician, Irish, Celtic and Native American origins are presented here in an impartial and logical manner. Sites discussed include Dighton Rock in Berkley, Massachusetts; Newport Tower in Newport, Rhode Island; the Bellows Falls Petroglyphs in Bellows Falls, Vermont; and Mystery Hill in North Salem, New Hampshire (also known as America’s Stonehenge), with expanded coverage new to this edition.

David Goudsward is the author of over 20 books on a variety of literary and historical topics. A retired librarian turned independent scholar; his work has also appeared in various journals internationally. He lives in Lake Worth, Florida.

David Goudsward
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 244
Bibliographic Info: 45 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2023
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9073-5
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4996-2
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi
Introduction 1
One. Sacrificial Tables 3
Two. Vineland on the Charles 17
Three. Dighton Rock 32
Four. The Newport Tower 44
Five. America’s Stonehenge on Mystery Hill 63
Six. Celtic New England 81
Seven. The Westford Knight ­ 99
Eight. Runic Relicts 111
Nine. The Spirit Pond Runestones 129
Ten. Thorvald’s Grave 139
Eleven. Byzantine Connecticut 147
Twelve. Norse Cape Cod 159
Thirteen. The Norse of Narragansett Bay 177
Chapter Notes 185
Bibliography 217
Index 233

• From the first edition: “A very welcome addition…essential…compelling…highly recommended”–Journal of the New England Antiquities Research Association
• “Invaluable”–Journal of Scientific Exploration