Located near current day Fairchance, Pennsylvania, Devil’s Hill is a near-forgotten geographical feature. However, during America’s early colonial period, the hill was said to be the spot of great conflict between the Devil and the Native American Indians who lived throughout the region.
The Legend’s Foundation
According to locals, the legend opened as semi-nomadic Native American Indians immigrated into and settled throughout the Appalachians Mountains. Members of the Shawnee, Delaware, and other smaller tribes were pushed from their eastern and southern homes as colonization farther encroached their lands.
In addition, representatives from both the British and French Empires recruited larger Native Indians tribes to make war on the smaller unaffiliated Indian bands that resistant the Super Powers imperial efforts.
The Discovery of the People’s Hill
The smaller tribes prayed to their Great Spirit (Mishe Moneto) to deliver them to salvation. He guided the tribe to the People’s Hill. The Hill was spectacular! The People’s Hill’s large oaks and other foliage provided shelter from the elements, supplied cover from the aggressive powers, and afforded an abundance of game. The band was so delighted with the location they named it "Kanawha," which meant "thoroughfare to the Great Spirit" (Kanawha may also mean a "waterway").
For years, the Indians lived in peace and harmony with the land and they respected the animals that resided there. They did not over farm the ground or over harvest the game animals there was much happiness upon the People’s Hill.
The Jealous Devil
According to legend, one day, the Devil appeared on the Hill. He was outraged by the peaceful and friendly agreement forged between the Indians and the Hill’s environment.
During America’s early years, the Devil was said to be in his glory. The suffering associated with the frequent bloodshed and the sorrow accompanying the spread of small pox and other diseases was said to delight the demon. However, it's said that the joy of the Native people residing on the People’s Hill made the Devil livid.
The Tribe's Agreement with the Devil
The Devil met with the tribe’s elders. He offered them a pact.
According to local history, the Devil would fight the Indian’s greatest warrior (the defater of the People). If the Indian prevailed the Devil would forever leave the People’s Hill and its residents in their tranquility. However, if the Devil won, the people would be cast away and the Hill would be his domain for eternity.
The Legend of the Battle For Control of the Hill
According to legend, the fight commenced at last light. Regretfully, the struggle was short. Despite, the warrior’s exceptional strength and knowledge of battle, he was no match for the more experienced Devil.
The Devil beheaded the Indian with one mighty blow from his flint stone battle axe. The People’s Hill was conquered. The Indians and the animals sobbed with sorrow.
The Cooing of the Doves
Currently, the road leading to Devil’s Hill is still named the Kanawha. Also, in the evening just as the day light is diminishing the doves coo in mourning for they dread the present and still remember a better time of joy and happiness when the Hill was known as the People’s Hill.
sources
Josephy, Alvin M., Jr. (1994). 500 Nations an Ilustrated History of North American Indians. New York, New York: Alfred A, Knopf. p. Title. ISBN 0-679-42930-1.
Kenneth Dillinger - For over a decade I have worked in the Mental Health field in a variety of capacities. Currently, I work with adult MH consumers, ...
