![]() |
History
of the Prayer Rocks, Also known as Wyalusing Rocks
Wyalusing is said to refer to "where there is an old man".
The "ng" sound refers to a dwelling. The word is beleived to refer
to a a holy or medicine man who once lived here. Early spellings of Wyalusing
dating back to the 1700's include: Machachlosung, Wuihaloosing, Mockocklocking,
Monmuchlooson, Machmihilusing, Ch’wilihlusing and Wilhilusing.
The earliest known settlers in the region were Susquhannock (also known
as Andastes) Indians. Their palisaded town Go-hon-to-to was destroyed by the
Iroquois in 1650. The Tuscarora, a tribe of the Iroquois Six Nations, and Monsee
Delaware, later occupied the region, followed by Moravians who founded a mission
town in 1763.
Wyalusing Rocks was once a lookout post high above the Susquehanna River for
American Indian villages in the fertile valley below. A series of huge rocks
jut out of a nearly sheer cliff several hundred feet above the river basin.The
Great Warrior Path, an American Indian trail leading north to the lake region
and south to the Carolinas passed through the area. Eastern Delaware Nations
owns property on both sides of Route 6, that includes the scenic overlook Wyalusing
Rocks, just south of Wyalusing. A state-owned parking area on Rt. 6 provides
a place for travelers to enjoy the spectacular view.
EDN fundraising to buy the site kicked off with a Pow-Wow
in nearby Towanda in December 1996. In 1997 a 5’ by 24’ mural Elan
Kumankw (EElan-Koomonqua) was
painted. Prints are available.
Pennsylvania does not recognize any American
Indian tribes within the Commonwealth. EDN's core group is made up of descendents
of different native peoples, many of them who remained in the region, hiding
in plain sight among other ethnic groups during government removals.
Back to top