Arkansas true Democrat., 1859-05-11

Fare hundreds of springs in and about it. Never did more delicious water burst fortl from the bosom of our common mother than these clear cold springs of Cane Hill The longest droughts, and the most pow. erful freshets seem to have no influence either upon the quantity and quality of the water.
 Near the center of Cane Hill several springs arise from gentle eminence, and flow away in different directions in hold streams, which soon unite with others and become considerable, affording never failing water power for machinery at the places ol their descent. Several valuable flour mills and one or two cotton factories have been erected there, within the last year or two and are doing we'll. At the point where these springs arise, are the remains of an ancient fort. A portion of the stone wall still exists, but the greater part has long since been demolished When first visi- ted that locality, which was in 1882, two squares of wall were standing. The work was of rough, but substantiaLmasonrv and about half acre, including several springs was lnclosed. Huge stone basins. curiouslv carved and of various shapes and dimen- sions, were found there, and in the vicinity by the early settlers.
 Daniel Boone, the great pioneer, accom- panied by the late Gov Baggs, of Mis- souri, were the first white men who climb ed that hill They visited 1t in 1904. or 1905, and gave to it the name of the " Black Hill" The Indians then residing there told them that, as far back as their tradi- tions reached, the fort had been there. and they had no definite idea by whom or when 1t had been built. An oak, at least four feet in diameter. standing on part of the dilapidated wall, and evidently planted since the erection of the wall, bears indis- putable evidence of the lapse of several centuries.
 It IS said that the wild Indians, scatter ed over the wide west, for ages prior to the coming of the pale faces to take away their hunting grounds, wepe in the habit of hold ing yearly council within the ruins of that fort. They resorted thither to smoke the pipe of peace, and to hold consulta- tions relative to their general good. They regarded the old fort as consecrated place. ana thought that they heard the Great Spirit speaking to them, as the wind moan ed among the boughs of the mighty trees, or the thunder echoed back its startlino peals from the neighboring mountains.
 In vain do we ask, who built that fort 2 What people lived there? When did tbey flourish? By what means did they become extinct? There is no voice to respond- no record to gratify curiosity-no history to clear away the obscurity that hangs over the whole subject. Certain it is, however that some people, far more advanced towards civilization than the red man, once had their home here-thcse crystal waters once reflected back their images and slaked their thirst; the smoke from these altars once arose amid these groves, and theil songs made response to the prowl of the wild wolf. Here, at these springs, coun- cils met and debated grave questions. in. volvinS the fate of tribes and nations, and decided whether war or peace should pre- vail. Here, once lived race, that like ours and all others of the varied family of man, were sometimes oppressed witt fear, at others transported with joy; some times mourned in diversity, at others re joiced in prosperity. But they are al gone!
 The scene is now changed The Anglo Saxon is there, transforming every thin! by his wondrous touch, into images of ar and science Agriculture and commerc, now hold undisputed sway, and peac crowns the sylvan shade.
 v MemDhis. April 10 1950