The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-15
IOwA'S GREAT WALLED LAKE.
A Mystery that Baffies the Scientist and
Puzzles the Old Settler.

Atlanta IaJ Letter in Globe Democrat.
AS we emerged from behind the of trees
large, irregular body of water appeared, which
| the guide told US was the far famed Wall Lake
And we must confess to sense of disappoint-
ment at first sight A very large pond, which
washed over mud banks on the opposite side,
and over which the Odor of harvestS and dead
fish came family. did not strike US with the
wonder we had expected. The guide seemed to
expect this look of disgust for he pointed out
the exceedingly high banks on the side nearest
to u.s. and said nothing else. Indeed, the banks
were very high and from side could
nothing of the lake except the fringe OF water
nearest the other shore.
We approached the lake very impatiently, for
| we knew that the mystery. if there was any,
was hidden behind the high bank: but the guide
who had seen the lake for years-and. l began
to think. for centuries, if his growth was as
slow as his motions-purpOsely delayed, and 1t
was not till we had time to get our expectations
aroused to high pitch that he led US down
curving road to the beach and the great wall
stood before us in all its greatness
From the beach to the summit of the bank,
twenty five feet or more, and extending for over
II mile in length. huge bowlders Of hercuean
proportions, were piled upon and around each
other Here and there some OF the smaller rocks
were missing. taken away by man for building
purposes, but enough renamed to show what it's
former magnlhcence must have been. While
we stood locking up at the summit OF the wall
could not help thinking how small even the lar
gest of mans works were compared to this work
of nature.
How those huge powders were piled up in
such regular order. and even how they should
come into place naturally SO devoid Of rocks, is
the wonder Of scientists. Of course, the glacial
theory. evolved especially for ignorant scientists
in difficult places. is the one most commonly
advanced But how those rocks should
wide lake, and proceed to place themselves in
regular order not explained, unless indeed,
some huge glacier. becoming weary of continued
| travel, had suddenly plowed deep hole in the
ground. fixed itself fast and, melting under the
RAYS Of tropical sun, had formed Wall Lake.
And the rocks carried along with it, not reshing
wetting, had piled themselves upon each other
in their anxiety to get out of the lake, and thus
formed the wonderful wall! But scientists do
agree in one thing and that is in dscredlting the
old Indian legend, which is follows:
Il beautiful daughter of proud Indian chief
| had run away with one who loved her. contrary
| to the wishes of her parent. For days and
nights the lovers fled, holly pursued by the war
| riors of her tribe. At night their only shelter
Was a mantle which he had brought with him:
| their food was only such berries and herbs she
| could find. Far into western Iowa they fled,
into thinly settled land, deeming themselves
| safe at last. But, awakening one morning and
! looking TO the east, they saw their pursuers
| coming urging their tired horses forward that
they might overtake the fugitves while asleep.
| The fresher horses of the lovers soon outsped
the faded steads of the Others and at night they
canned on the muddy shore of II large lake.
I
| felt that help must come soon, or
they would be taken. But the water spirits
| which inhabited the lake took pity on the tuci-
| tives, and all that night In the darkness, while
! the lovers slept they rolled great rocks from the
| bottom of the lake the walls of their own lake
| castles, and piled them upon the beach. making
the present wall. When the sleepers awoke next
morning, great was their establishment to
| rocky fortress where had been but muddy
| beach the day before They took advantage of
| the miraculous defense, and when their enemies
| appeared, all day they kept them at bay from
behind the magic wall. Then through the
| darkness canoe, guided by unseen hands, drift
! ed over the silent lake. and touched the beach
| where the lovers were, and the kind spirits had
| save them
| The oldest inhabtant" also has a theory
| which he believes as the Indian does his legend.
| Said he: 20, this glacial business don't amount
| to nothing; those rocks just come there material
| y" And that is all he says about It, On
another subject. however, he becomes more
oquacious-a fight with the men who once came
| to steal rock from the wall They used TO come
| in the night, break up the large rocks and haul
| them away for use in building. Those who
| dwelt around the lake, and foresaw among the
! prohabi a great summer resort and still
| greater prices determined to stop the brigand-
| age and so one night. with wall for fortress,
| they awaited conclusions. There was none
| of the romance of the Indian night
| about this But they were stern, dirt begrimec,
| terribly in earnest men that stood with their
ready rifles in hand. awaiting the attack. The
| robbers stole almost up to the edge OF the lake
| before they discovered the enemy. There was
brief but sharp fight, and the wall has not been
| touched by robber hands since then.
This wonderful lake is situated III Sac county,
Ia, and being branch road, not many peO-
pie 60 there. 1t is chiefly interesting to s,ien-
| fists, as pleasure seekers find no timber for
camping grounds, while the game has been
almost entirely driven away. And the great