Cistern?

[SkyPirate]

Went exploring a few weeks ago. In the middle of the woods I stumble upon this. All made of concrete, the older kind with lots of pebbles. I am guessing it is a cistern of some kind since it is full of water. About 50 feet down hill from the cistern is this rectangle concrete box in the ground, just beyond this are 6 smaller evenly spaced concrete squares. They are not in a straight line but are laid out on an angle and running down hill. It's a gradual hill, not too steep and at the bottom is a small stream. There is nothing else around except some old clay type pieces of pipe (see picture) The area is completely grown over with trees and bushes and vines. I am wondering if anyone out there may know what this once was? And maybe how old it is? Thanks.

 

[SkyPirate]

Look for remains of old road or trail leading up to the structures and try to figure out where it originates. Monty

That's a good idea, next time I am out that way I will do just that!

 

[bradyboy]

Watering holes on a farm?
With a underground irrigation system for cattle?
Brady

 

[mcmich]

I found a structure like that in the woods by me. There is a rectangular trough at the bottom of a hill. Uphill there is a natural spring running. Right next to the spring is a round cistern or well. I think the rectangular one is for watering livestock. There is a foundation for what looks like a barn close by. The round one I think was for water for the house. found out this was an old horse farm back in the 1800's.

 

[Monty]

Iron based things underwater actually last longer than things on top of the ground and in the dirt because of the lack of oxygen in the water. Monty

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

I stumble upon this. All made of concrete, the older kind with lots of pebbles. If that's the case it would not hold water! the house I had from 1898 had a loose aggregate cement foundation and water came through it like a sieve!