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Me silhouetted against the creek
Natural Bridge in 1959
Anna in front of the Natural Bridge
HALLOWEEN DECORATION, NATURAL BRIDGE, VIRGINIAMonacan Indian customs and legend
A costumed guy in Monacan Indian Village fenced with a wooden palisade told us about customs of the Monacan Tribe and their daily activities that was farming, hunting, fishing, making war, cooking, and gardening. The women gardened and gathered berries, nuts and other food. They grew beans, corn, squash and other crops. The women made household items - I could see at place - out of bone, wood, animal skins and other locally available resources. They used the thread they made from milkweed to make a strong cord which they used in making baskets. The men hunted, fished and made war. Deer and black bear were plentiful.
The guide told us the legend which says that the Monacan Indians discovered the Natural Bridge while under attack by Algonquin tribes. When the Monacans reached the chasm of Cedar Creek without a visible way to cross over, they knelt down and prayed for the Great Spirit to protect them. When they arose from praying the 215 foot tall bridge had appeared. Women and children crossed to safety. With renewed strength and courage, the men followed but not until after they met and defeated the Algonquins.
