Giants in West Virginia – Legends of America
"On the earth, there once were giants." – Homer, Greek poet, 400 B.C.
The rugged, verdant landscapes of West Virginia, a state nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, have long been a repository of intriguing historical narratives and enigmatic tales. Among the most captivating of these are accounts of the discovery of unusually large human skeletons, often referred to as "giants," within the ancient burial mounds and during various excavation projects across the state. These discoveries, spanning from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century, have fueled speculation and debate about the existence of a race of exceptionally tall individuals who may have once inhabited the region.
Early Encounters and the Naming of "Giant Town"
One of the earliest documented instances of a giant skeleton discovery in West Virginia dates back to 1774. Jack Parsons, while traversing the banks of the recently flooded Cheat River, stumbled upon bones protruding from the earth. Upon closer examination, he unearthed a femur that was significantly longer than his own, measuring approximately seven inches more. After carefully exhuming the remaining bones, Parsons estimated that the individual would have stood around eight feet tall. This remarkable find, along with similar discoveries by other settlers in the area, led to the locality being christened "Giant Town," a testament to the awe and curiosity these discoveries inspired.
Grave Creek Mound and the Excavation of Giant Skeletons
In 1838, the Grave Creek Mound, located in present-day Moundsville, West Virginia, became the focus of amateur archaeological endeavors. During these excavations, reports emerged of the discovery of giant human skeletons, with some accounts claiming that these remains measured as long as eight feet. The Grave Creek Mound, one of the largest conical burial mounds in the United States, has long been associated with the Adena culture, a Pre-Columbian Native American culture that flourished from 500 B.C. to A.D. 100.
The Vanishing Skeletons of Palatine
In the 1850s, during the excavation of a root cellar in Palatine (now East Fairmont), West Virginia, workers unearthed two remarkably large human skeletons, reportedly exceeding seven feet in height. These skeletons were observed by several individuals, but unfortunately, they were subsequently stolen, presumably to be sold in the burgeoning market for "Indian relics" that existed at the time. This incident highlights the challenges faced in preserving and studying such discoveries, as the allure of profit often overshadowed the pursuit of knowledge.
A Ten-Foot Giant in Wheeling
In 1857, the Western Literary Messenger published a report detailing the discovery of a giant skeleton in East Wheeling, West Virginia. According to the report, workmen engaged in subsoiling the grounds of Sheriff Wickham’s vineyard came across a human skeleton of extraordinary size. The sheriff and a local craftsman measured the impression left by the skeleton and concluded that it was an astounding 10 feet, 9 inches in length. The report further noted that the jaws and teeth of the skeleton were almost as large as those of a horse. The bones were reportedly displayed at the Sheriff’s office, attracting considerable public attention.
Reddish Hair and Rapid Deterioration
In 1875, while constructing a bridge near the mouth of Paw Paw Creek at Rivesville, workers unearthed three giant skeletons with strands of reddish hair clinging to their skulls. A local doctor was summoned to examine the remains, and he determined that they were indeed human, estimating their height to be approximately eight feet. However, upon exposure to the air, the bones rapidly deteriorated, underscoring the fragility of ancient remains and the importance of proper preservation techniques.
The Mummy in the Rock Shelter
In 1882, amateur archaeologists F.M. Fetty and his wife were exploring an unusual rock formation along White Day Creek in Marion County when they stumbled upon what appeared to be a shelter. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that a false wall had been erected, and after removing several large stones, they found a huge ancient mummy seated in a chair. The giant was surrounded by stone and flint artifacts, suggesting a deliberate burial or ceremonial arrangement.
The Smithsonian Institution and the Criel Mound Excavations
In 1883, the Smithsonian Institution dispatched a team of archaeologists to the Criel Mound in South Charleston, West Virginia. Led by Colonel Lewis Morris, the team conducted extensive digs of some 50 mounds in the area, meticulously documenting their findings in a detailed report.
During their investigation, the team unearthed numerous giant skeletons, one of which measured 7 feet 6 inches in height and was adorned with six heavy copper bracelets on each wrist, as well as three large plates of mica on its shoulder. In another mound, they discovered a circle of ten skeletons surrounding a giant skeleton, along with underground vaults, various copper and mica ornaments, jewelry, religious items, pipes, and spearheads. Another giant skeleton was found to have a "flat-head" type skull, a characteristic that has been observed in other ancient populations around the world.
Later Discoveries and Newspaper Reports
As archaeological excavations continued in the region, more discoveries of giant skeletons were made. In Wheeling, West Virginia, archaeologists found another grouping of giants ranging in height from 6 feet 7 inches to 7 feet 6 inches, exhibiting unusual skull formations with low foreheads and prominent backs of the skull.
The Charleston Daily Mail published an article in October 1922, highlighting the significance of Mound Park in Moundsville, West Virginia, and its association with the Grave Creek Mound. The article mentioned the discovery of a skeleton believed to be that of a female, measuring seven feet four inches in height, with a jawbone large enough to fit over the face of a man weighing 160 pounds.
In June 1930, the Clarksburg Sunday Exponent reported on the exhumation of skeletons from two newly explored mounds near Morgansville, West Virginia. The report suggested that these skeletons belonged to a race of gigantic people who inhabited the region more than one thousand years ago, with individuals ranging from seven to nine feet in height. The report speculated that they may have been Siouan Indians.
The Cresap Mound Discovery
The most recent documented discovery of a giant skeleton in West Virginia occurred in 1959, when Dr. Donald Dragoo, the curator for the Section of Man at the Carnegie Museum, excavated the Cresap Mound in Marshall County. There, he unearthed a 7 feet 2-inch skeleton.
Interpretations and Speculations
The numerous accounts of giant skeleton discoveries in West Virginia, as well as in other parts of North America, have sparked various interpretations and speculations. Some believe that these findings provide evidence of a race of exceptionally tall individuals who once inhabited the region, possibly predating or coexisting with Native American populations. Others suggest that these skeletons may represent individuals who suffered from gigantism, a rare medical condition that causes abnormal growth. Still others propose that these accounts may be the result of misidentification, exaggeration, or even hoaxes.
Conclusion
The legends of giants in West Virginia continue to fascinate and intrigue, inviting us to ponder the mysteries of the past and the possibility that our understanding of human history may be incomplete. While the interpretation of these discoveries remains a subject of debate, the stories themselves serve as a reminder of the rich and enigmatic heritage of the Mountain State. As archaeological techniques advance and new discoveries are made, we may one day gain a clearer understanding of the truth behind these ancient tales of giants.