The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1898-01-05
INDIAN LEGEND TOLD IN STONEI
A GEORGIA MONUMENT AND HOW
1T WAS BUILT.
Resembles Huge Bird and Covers an
Acre of Ground. The story of an In
dian Braves Fight TO the Meath
With an Eagle That Had stol-
en- His Squaw.

en- his SquaWs
Down in the state of Georgia, in Put
nam county, is strange monument,
which, while not as old perhaps as the
Egyptian Sphinx, is almost as remarka-
bic from the view point of its construc-
ton. 1t is on the plantation of Goodwin
Scott, and consists of mass of stones
formed into the shape of huge eagle
lying on the ground with outstretched
wings.
It's known locally as the "Spread Ea-
gle Monument" 1t extends over nearly
an acre of ground and the highest point
the breast of the birds twenty feet
from the surrounding surface. The mon
ument is of excellent proportions and its
prehistoric designer must have been an
artist of no mean ability. A geologist
has estimated that it must have taken
800 men fully three years to arrange the
stones of which the bird monument is
formed. A small portion of the upper
part of the breast has been DESTROYED by
vandals, but otherwise it is in perfect
condition.
While there is no positive knowledge
as to its origin the local inhabitants
have this pretty legend of the moru-
ment. 1t was told recently by a Geor-
gian who Glanced to be on a visit to the
capital
cot course, like all unique and ancient
curiosities," he said, 'this spread eagle
monument has a story or legend con-
nected with its origin. As you know, it
has not been many years since Georgia
had within her borders quite number
of Indians, and even now there are num-
bers of half-breeds living there. The
story of this monument has been handed
down from generation to generation, and
Is to the effect that many years ago,
long before the feet of white men trod
| these lands, there dwelt near the point
where the monument now stands a tribe
of Indians governed by an old chief
who loved peace better than he did war.
"The tribe was small and their peaceful
disposition caused The more powerful
tribes to leave them alone in seclusion.
After years of quiet and contentment
cloud came and lowered over them.
This cloud was in the shape of an enor-
nous bird, and its food was human be-
ings. AS easily as. hawk would carry
off bird this eagle would dart down
on an unsuspecting savage, seize him in
its enormous claws and bear HIM away.
Some of the brayest hunters and warriors
we're carried off and the great eagle be-
came a reigning terror.
son the top of a tall mountain the
eagle made its home, and the mountain
is supposed to be stone Mountain, near
Atlanta. Expeditions were formed to
kill the eagle, but this was not accom-
plished until a tall, handsome, powerful
young Indian, named Maneec), had his
young wife, Eulahaha, taken away by
the monster bird, when he followed it to
its mountain home and sent an arrow
through its heart.
"Maneeco loIed his wife dearly, and
one day as he returned from a hunt with
deer thrown across his shoulder he
hallooed to Eulahaha on entering the
7illage, and she, all glowing with pride
at her husband S success, ran out to meet
him. When only short distance from
the wigwam there was a great rushing
sound, like the roaring of a mighty wind
and the eagle darted down upon her, and,
Selling her with his great talons, bore
her away.
GAS if turned to stone the Indian
stood for moment; then, recovering
himself, he threw the deer from his
shoulder and dashed into his wigwam.
Collecting full culver of his best ar
rows and snatching up bis war bow he
rushed out into tie forest, taking the
direction of the flight of the bird. The
other Indians said they would never zee
Maneeco again, and they moved about
the village, terror and dependency de-
picted ON every face.
"Just as the sun was rising on the
fourth day of the appearance of the ca
gle and Maneeco's departure the natives
were startled by loud warWboop on the
outskirts of the village. On gathering
there a strange sight met their eyes
'An Indian warrior stood facing them,
but in such a pItiable plight that at first