Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 306, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1912 — LEGEND OF NATURAL BRIDGE [ARTICLE]

LEGEND OF NATURAL BRIDGE

It Saved the Mohegane and Waa Thenceforth Called by Them the Bridge of God. At a height of 215 feet above Clear creek in Virginia stands the famous natural bridge known all over the world. Bui|t of solid rock forty feet thick, it spans the creek. It is a great natural wonder. Our great and beloved national hero, George Washington, once climbed it and carved his name upon its side. The Mohegan tribe of Indians called it the Bridge of God and ascribed to it this supernatural origin. Once upon a time It happened that the Mohegans were at war with a hostile tribe of,lndians. The fight was hot, and a valiant stand they made against their foe. But at last the Mohegans were forced to give way and to retreat. On and on they went, the whole tribe with their women and children, and the enemy behind them. Finally they came to a precipice. Be,low yawned a cavern, wide and deep, and no way to cross or means to escape was anywhere to be seen. Perilous and helpless indeed was the plight of the Mohegans. They were ready to give up and submit to the cruel fate that was pursuing them. Then a wise man of the tribe spoke. “My children,” he said, “go down upon your knees and pray to the Great Spirit above, who alone can save us from our misfortunes.” All in a body they obeyed the words of the old medicine man. Long and hard they prayed. ' When they finally lifted up their heads, 10, there stood a mighty bridge. Across it they now led the women and children, and then turned upon their foes, who were close at hand. They gave the enemy a hard battle and finally repulsed and defeated them. In gratefulness to Manitou, the Great Spirit of the world, they named this bridge the Bridge of God.