The Skenandoah Boulder sits beside Route 5 in New York state, just outside of Clinton, NY. Lorna and I passed it by, but curiosity overcame us so we went back to see what it was. The boulder commemorates the last home of Skenandoah, an Oneida chief who became a friend of the settlers during the French and Indian War. Legend has it that he took corn to Valley Forge during Washington's hard winter there.
He is buried in a cemetery with a commemorative marker, not far from the site of this stone.
Such historical markers are often overlooked; many, life this one are showing signs of age and neglect, and yet this man played a large role in the early history of our country. I had not heard of him until I saw the boulder, although I was raised very near the Shenandoah River in Virginia, which supposedly was named for him. I wonder if that part of the story is true? Anyone know?
What an interesting story behind the stone. I wonder how many people these days actually stop and look at it? Well done for being one (or two)who actually did.
ReplyDeleteI love this area's history! The French and Indian War has always fascinated me. What a lovely serendipitous find!
ReplyDeletethere is a Shenandoah in Iowa. I'm pretty sure I never knew there was chief by that name : )
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