~Pennsylvania Archeologist, Volume 61  No. 2  September 1991

Dr. Marshall Becker

The Stature of A Susquehannock Population of the Mid-16th Century Based on Skeletal Remains from 46HM73

Marshall Joseph Becker

ABSTRACT

When John Smith first contacted a group of Susquehannock in 1608 he described these people as "gyant-like." Direct confirmation of this observation can now be provided through studies of the long bones of a population which was part of the Susquehannock "confederacy." Recent excavations at a Susquehannock site on the South Branch of the Potomac River in Hampshire County, West Virginia, re- vealed portions of a palisaded village and associated features dating from the middle of the 16th century. This remnant of a flood-destroyed site yielded 13 relatively intact burials. Surface collection of skeletal material immediately downstream of the site after the flood provided long bones from at least 18 other adults. Calculation of the stature of the individuals represented in this sample and comparisons with the other Native American populations of this period confirm John Smith's observations.

http://www.pennsylvaniaarchaeology.com/Publications/Abstracts.html

Use the following links to read more about the giant skeletons that were found:

• Towanda Daily Review - 1897 - "The Grave of a Giant"

• Aboriginal Sites in and  Near "Teoga," Now Athens, Pennsylvania, 1921

• History Of Waverly, Chapter IV, page 7

• Moorehead - Susquehanna River Expedition 1918 - page 49

• Louise Welles Murray -"History of Old Tioga Point and Early Athens -"1908.

• Pennsylvania Archeologist, Volume 61  No. 2  September 1991

• Captain John Smith's Account of the Susquehannocks

• 1882 - Sepulchre Discovered with Giant Skeleton

• Why do we care about these skeletons and the location of the burial sites?
• Author's Note Concerning the Giant Skeletons found in the Area of Tioga Point
• The Story and the TRUTH Surrounding  the "Horned Skeletons"