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John Brewer discovered the Brewer Cave in the 1950’s. Source: andreiuc88 / Adobe Stock.

Does the Brewer Cave Story Unlock a Hidden History?

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Pseudo archaeology, and some of its more controversial claims, have long been the subject of extensive debate among mainstream scholars and the general public. From ancient aliens, creation myths, and races of giants, these subjects are part of a very obscure niche of historical research. But why is it so? Why are these stories so out of the realm of the possible?

Today we’ll try to answer that question, as we dig into the story of the Brewer Cave – a purported discovery of an ancient giant burial in Ohio, USA. When it first appeared, this sensational story opened up a whole new level of connections with other similar discoveries, furthering the possibility that there actually might be some truth to the hard-to-believe story of ancient giants.

Join us as we descend into the world of old Native legends, covered up archaeology finds, and the most shocking hoax stories of the 20th century. Will we discover the truth? I think it’s certainly somewhere out there.

Discovering the Brewer Cave

The story of the Brewer Cave begins in the 1950’s. The cave, which remains unidentified, is claimed to be located somewhere close to Manti, Utah. It gets its name from one Mr. John Brewer, who discovered this cave sometimes around 1955, when he was only 22 years old.

According to the “legend”, as many now describe it, Mr. Brewer was immediately attracted to the cave as he noticed telltale details of soot on the ceiling, and he knew that something more was to be found within. That was the case – the cavern opened into a rectangular chamber in which Brewer allegedly discovered an ancient burial site, a chamber filled with grave goods and two Caucasoid (white) mummies, which were of such a great size that they were recognized as giants.

Possible entrance to the Brewer Cave. (The Brewer Cave / Facebook)

Possible entrance to the Brewer Cave. (The Brewer Cave / Facebook)

The problem with the story of Brewer Cave is the fact that this burial chamber was witnessed only by John Brewer and his son, and seemingly no one else. An avid researcher, Brewer didn’t want to share his discovery with the Smithsonian Institute and other official sources, fearing the magnitude of such a discovery wouldn’t be received as properly as he’d hope.

Still, Brewer left behind him detailed sketches of the burial chamber, drawings of the mummies, and a collection of highly unusual and well preserved items, which even today remain a matter of much heated debate. Numerous stone artifacts, finely carved, were discovered, alongside copper spearheads, arrowheads, jewelry, pottery, and numerous undecipherable writings.

Brewer heard of this cave beforehand, from an elderly man by the name of George Keller. Keller visited the chamber in his youth, when it was shown to him by the local Native, Lone Eagle. It was located in the mountains which the Natives lived in, and was considered a sacred site, called the “Cave of the Great Spirit”.

Keller, many decades after, in the 50’s, shared that story with John Brewer, immediately stirring his interest. Brewer originally intended to search around this location in order to unearth arrowheads, which he collected. But after his initial discoveries, Brewer realized that he was on the verge of discovering something much more than arrowheads.

John Brewer claimed to have discovered this chamber behind the Temple Hill at Manti, Utah, more precisely at a hill behind it. After his initial surveying of the chamber, he made repeated returns to it, making it a sort of “in situ” research place. He kept a detailed journal of his discoveries, logging all items after careful studying.

Now, this journal, much like the whole story, is subject to great doubt, leading to claims that it is not authentic and in fact fabricated. This stems from the claim from Brewer himself, who stated that no one saw his journal = he kept it secret.

Terry Carter, a leading researcher of the Brewer Cave story, from the Ancient Historical Research Foundation, stated that : “..I have come to the confident conclusion that this is indeed John Brewer’s own excerpts, from his own personal journal.”

A Princely Grave – The Artifacts of Brewer Cave Burial Chamber

The burial chamber was accessed through a 30 foot (9 meter) entrance. At its end were five steps that led to the doorway and into the chamber. According to Brewers own detailed sketches of the site, there was a trap at the entrance – a hole of unknown depth that was present after the fifth step of the stairs. The trap was traversed by a hidden side passage that went around it.

Once inside, the relatively small chamber was roughly squared shape with a protruding T-shape area which remained unexplored by Brewer. After initial surveys, Brewer discovered a number of artifacts and elements in the chamber. The basic discoveries were arrowheads and pottery objects.

This was followed by a number of quite odd items – a small “book”, measuring 2.25 x 3.25 x 4 inches (5.7 x 8.3 x 10.2 centimeters), which was a binding of several copper plates that resembled a book. This was bound in copper strips and encased in a mud cover, supposedly to preserve it. After the painstaking removal of mud, Brewer discovered that the copper pages were inscribed with numerous undecipherable writings – strange symbols and “letters” consisting of many little lines.

Copper plates purportedly discovered in the Brewer Cave. (Terry Carter / YouTube)

Copper plates purportedly discovered in the Brewer Cave. (Terry Carter / YouTube)

There were also stamped scorpion symbols and many other details, all of which were stamped. The tools with which these were stamped were also discovered. This was followed by a good deal of other small plates, this time not bound.

Some were copper and some were made of gold. All of them were covered in what looked like texts, although in an unknown writing system.

Another find was a small object that looked like a bell. It was roughly made out of lead and covered with more of the writings. It was followed by a number of lead plates, once more, covered with strange inscriptions and diagrams. Brewer also discovered several large stone tablets, incised with the odd symbols.

One of these he accidentally struck with his pick during his excavations. Photographs of all these items exist – and many were gifted to friends. Most of them seem genuine – i.e. seemingly of an ancient origin, possessing the patina, the wear and tear that is generally ascribed to ancient findings.

The next major discovery in the chamber was a set of stone boxes. These were overlooked at first by Brewer, since they were carefully covered in a layer of mud and thus camouflaged into the walls. When mud was removed, Brewer discovered several stone boxes which were carefully covered in juniper bark and resin – seemingly for preservation.

Beneath the bark were perfectly carved rectangular boxes with lids – inside were housed elongated copper tablets with inscriptions. The outside of the boxes were carved with intricate designs, displaying images that are oddly out of place for the North American continent – or are they?

One box, entirely covered with symbols, writings, and drawings, had a large engraving of a boat – with displayed oars, a swelled sail, and a (dragonhead ?) prow. Another box was adorned with a carving of a chariot with horses and a winged man, among other interesting drawings.

The tree bark in which the boxes were preserved in, was radiocarbon dated – Steven E. Jones, Professor of Physics at Brigham Young University stated: “With a radiocarbon age of 5 BC to 390 BC, the Brewer bark sample is thus scientifically demonstrated to be very old. […] The bark used to cover the stone box in question is indeed ancient.”

Carbon dating of the bark box found in the Brewer Cave. (The Brewer Cave / Facebook)

Carbon dating of the bark box found in the Brewer Cave. (The Brewer Cave / Facebook)

But the most controversial discovery lay hidden behind the wall itself. Sometime after the initial discovery of the chamber, John Brewer and his son stumbled upon a pair of sarcophagi – stacked one on top the other. The lower one held the preserved body of a woman, while the top one held the body of a man. Brewer, wishing to preserve them as much as possible and not cause excess disturbing of the remains, made careful examinations and his son drew detailed sketches, since photography was not at their disposal at the time.

The mummies were covered with woven “straw-like” blankets, and three more subsequent cover, all covered with resin which could have led to partial preservation of the bodies. According to the sketches and Brewer’s writings, the mummies were preserved to a good extent, and of very great size.

The male was around 9 feet 2 inches (2.80 meters) tall, and 4 feet (1.21 meters) across the shoulders and had red hair and beard. The female mummy was 8 feet 10 inches (2.46 meters) and had blonde hair. Both were elaborately decorated with golden items – crowns and breastplates and shoulder pads. The female had a much more elaborate crown of great size and golden coverings on her breasts.

Mr. Brewer’s drawings of the male and female mummies found in the Brewer Cave. (Terry Carter / YouTube)

Mr. Brewer’s drawings of the male and female mummies found in the Brewer Cave. (Terry Carter / YouTube)

Si-Te-Cah – the Conquered Red Haired Giants

The story of the Brewer Cave is not the only of its kind. It connects directly to the numerous other documented excavations of a similar nature, which are oddly always obscure and considered on the fringe of modern archaeology. Most of those professional or amateur archaeologists and researchers often claim that their findings, and other such discoveries through the 20th and 19th centuries, were actively suppressed and kept secret by the Smithsonian Institute and the government. Why? We might never know.

But the stories of copper plates inscribed with strange writings, of advanced objects and out of place carvings, and of giant red haired mummies are numerous across the United States and often partially documented, so much so, that they cross deeply into the realm of authenticity.

In fact, similar writings on copper and gold plates were discovered all across America: Among the Shawnee and Creek Indians of Alabama in 1791, in New York in 1923, All over the Upper Midwest in the 1800’s, among the Ojibway Indians of Lake Superior in 1850, in Illinois in 1843, and the list goes on. Moreover, discoveries of giants – both mummified and skeletons – were reported from as early as 17th century all the way to the modern age – all over the USA.

All were reported 9 feet (2.7 meters) and taller, and most of them bearing Caucasian features and red hair. Discoveries from Kanab, Salt Lake City, the Santa Catalina island, the Belt Mountains in Montana in 1889, West Virginia in 1883, Mississippi 1884, Nevada 1947, etc. – all of these giant mummy discoveries bear striking resemblance to the documented finds in Brewer Cave, since they too were accompanied by varied metal plates bearing inscriptions.

One similar find that made the headlines is of the famous Lovelock Cave in Nevada. This is perhaps one of the single most important archaeological sites in North America, yet its finds are oddly obscure and difficult to trace. There were over 10,000 ancient discoveries under several feet of bat guano (excrement) which were quite old and fit strangely with a particular Native myth.

Artifacts discovered at Lovelock Cave along with giant mummies similar to the Brewer Cave. (The Giants Of The Lovelock Cave / YouTube)

Artifacts discovered at Lovelock Cave along with giant mummies similar to the Brewer Cave. (The Giants Of The Lovelock Cave / YouTube)

Among the many interesting discoveries of Lovelock, were also the mummified remains of red haired giants, and remnants of human bones which were cannibalized. This discovery, made in the early 1910’s, fit with uncanny precision with the ancient legend of the Northern Paiute Indians.

The oral history of this tribe, passed down for generations, is centered around the Si-Te-Cah – a race of red haired giants as described by the Paiute myth. The myth speaks of the arrival (by migration) of the Paiute into the Great Basin region. Here they encountered the Si-Te-Cah and were since constantly at war with them.

These giants were cannibalistic and consumed the Paiute. They were also called Numa Ticutta by the Paiutes, which meant “People Eaters”. After a prolonged conflict, a coalition of Paiute bands drove the remaining Si-Te-Cah into the Lovelock Cave, trapping them there. The myth states that brush was burned at the cave’s mouth, thus killing all the giants within.

Since then, the Paiute were named the Say-Do-Carah – “The Conquerors”. When the discovery in the Lovelock Cave was made, it certainly gave a lot of credibility to a seemingly whimsical Native myth. One of the prominent Paiute figures, Sarah Winnemucca, described an ancient family heirloom she owned, of a battle dress that was adorned with red hair – seemingly a memorabilia of the earliest Paiute history.

Hiding the Pieces of the Puzzle

All the findings of giant mummies are often quickly discarded, seemingly “disappearing” under very improbable circumstances, and are immediately discredited as being “fringe” and “fantastical”. But once we delve deeper into the (almost) countless discoveries that were made and documented throughout history, after we connect the dots and build upon the exhaustive research made by past researchers, we can finally start seeing a much larger picture of a history that remains hidden before the eyes of the world.

The remains discovered at Lovelock Cave have disappeared. (The Giants Of The Lovelock Cave / YouTube)

The remains discovered at Lovelock Cave have disappeared. (The Giants Of The Lovelock Cave / YouTube)

What at first seemed a hoax, quickly gets the distinct features of a genuine archaeological discovery. And Brewer Cave story bears all the signs of being genuine. Why does Smithsonian so actively discredit these findings.

Why are remains – previously on display – being removed from the eyes of society and policies actively changed to cover them up? We might never know the true reason, but once the pieces of the puzzle begin setting into place, we can realize that perhaps the history of North America isn’t what we thought thus far.

Who were the original settlers of this continent? Who were these fair skinned peoples of great stature that left so many traces behind them. Could it be that they were the original mound builder cultures? Who left a vast number of mounds, many of which were razed to the ground –for reasons unknown to us.

Whatever the truth is, it remains hidden in mist. It is up to us to discover it, and piece the puzzle of the ancient history of North America.

Top image: John Brewer discovered the Brewer Cave in the 1950’s. Source: andreiuc88 / Adobe Stock.

By Aleksa Vučković

References

Aragorn, D. 2017. The Ancient Giants of Nevada and the Mystery of Lovelock Cave. EMN. [Online] Available at: http://earthmysterynews.com/2017/03/28/the-ancient-giants-of-nevada-and-the-mystery-of-lovelock-cave/

David, G. 2010. The Kivas of Heaven: Ancient Hopi Starlore. Adventures Unlimited Press.

Davis, M. K. 2014. The Red Haired Giants of Lovelock Cave…The Skulls of the Humboldt Museum. The Davis Report. [Online] Available at: https://thedavisreport.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/the-red-haired-giants-of-lovelock-cave-the-skulls-of-the-humboldt-museum/

Guerrilla Artfare. 2017. Brewers Cave Utah. Guerrilla Artfare. [Online] Available at: https://guerrillaartfare.com/brewers-cave-utah/

Jessop, U. Brewers Cave – The Untold Story. Ancient Historical Research Foundation.

Moran, C. 2016. Day Trip to Lovelock Cave. This Is Reno. [Online] Available at: https://thisisreno.com/2016/08/day-trip-lovelock-cave/

 

Comments

good job. Enjoyed it!

IJ Brown's picture

Because this was the 70 years ago it is too hard to verify without decent photos and video etc. It may be true but the metal plates seem a bit weird and contrived? However, we have a current ongoing dig with the goal of breaking into a cave rumoured to hold 14 8’ skeletons. This is in New Zealand so come and follow us at  http://tangatawhenua16.wixsite.com/the-first-ones-blog/start-here  and then follow our latest posts...    

Aleksa Vučković's picture

Aleksa

I am a published author of over ten historical fiction novels, and I specialize in Slavic linguistics. Always pursuing my passions for writing, history and literature, I strive to deliver a thrilling and captivating read that touches upon history's most... Read More

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