Located in an open field in Jackson County is one of N.C.’s biggest archeological mysteries: An ancient rock covered in prehistoric carvings known as petroglyphs.
The large soapstone boulder contains hundreds of cryptic inscriptions believed to be between 2,000 – 3,000 years old, that are not part of any known language. Many studies have been conducted, but no one has been able to decipher exactly what the symbols are or where they came from.
The Cherokee believed the bizarre markings were created by a slant-eyed giant who roamed the nearby mountains with seven fingers on each hand. They called him Judaculla. Legends say the beast was extremely powerful and could control the weather, plants and even animals. He could also leap from one mountain top to another to catch his prey. Though archeologists say the rock predates Native American settlement in the area, it became a large part of the tribe’s culture. The Cherokee considered the mysterious rock sacred and performed many religious ceremonies and rituals around it.
Early English settlers were also superstitious of the carved rock and thought the area was the home of an evil deity.
Over the years, there have been many accounts of paranormal activity, unexplained illuminations and strange noises at the boulder. Yet, the origins still remain a mystery.