Georgia is bursting with history, from the cobblestone streets of Savannah to the bustling heart of Atlanta—and every small town in between. The state is dotted with countless historical sites, each carrying its own fascinating story waiting to be uncovered. Whether it’s tales of early settlers, Civil War battlefields, or landmarks that shaped American culture, Georgia offers a journey through time where every stop adds another layer to its rich and diverse past.
Rock Eagle
Just north of Eatonton off U.S. Highway 441 lies the Rock Eagle Effigy Mound—one of Georgia’s most mysterious ancient landmarks. Shaped like a giant bird, this massive stone figure is believed to date back to the Middle Woodland period (around 100–300 A.D.). Only one other effigy like it exists east of the Mississippi—the nearby Rock Hawk Mound.
Why the mound was built remains a puzzle. Some believe it served a ceremonial or burial purpose, while others think it was a symbolic message to the heavens. Excavations have uncovered few artifacts, though traces of cremated burials and a quartz tool were found in the 1950s.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored the site, adding a stone observation tower and pathways that still welcome visitors today. The mound now sits within the Rock Eagle 4-H Center, but it remains open to the public and free to visit.
Rock Hawk
East of Eatonton in Putnam County lies Rock Hawk, also known as the Little Rock Eagle Effigy. Like Rock Eagle, this ancient stone formation is shaped like a bird and is thought to have been built during the Woodland period nearly 2,000 years ago. Together, the two sites are the only confirmed stone effigy mounds east of the Mississippi River.
The true purpose of Rock Hawk is unknown. Some archaeologists believe it held ceremonial or spiritual meaning, while others suggest it may have served as a burial site. Over the years, few artifacts have been discovered, leaving much of its story a mystery.
Today, Rock Hawk is part of a large recreational area featuring trails, interpretive signs, and scenic views of Lake Oconee. The site is free to visit and offers a chance to walk among one of Georgia’s oldest and most intriguing landmarks.
Turtle
What I found most interesting during my visit to Rock Eagle and Rock Hawk was that the stone formations didn’t appear bird-shaped to me at all. Instead, they looked more like turtles—but that’s just my personal opinion. What makes this even more intriguing is that, from my understanding, many Native American traditions refer to the land of America as Turtle Island. Just something to think about.
Rumble Channel
Here is the video of my visit there with Dave from Mike and Dave’s Multiverse. Don’t forget to subscribe.
