Noccalula Falls

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Noccalula Falls, once known as Black Creek Falls, is in Gadsden, Alabama, and is named after the Indian princess whose tribe use to live around the falls. The falls are directly off the side of the road, making them easily accessible to anyone. Built in 1969 and finally placed on the edge of the falls September 20, the nearby statue is accompanied by a plaque telling the story of the falls.

Images

Side angle of the statue at Noccalula Falls

Behind view of the statue at Noccalula Falls

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Noccalula, a Native American chief's daughter, was being forced to marry a wealthy chief from another village. This wedding arrangement could bring peace, weapons, food and other necessities to both tribes, therefore the chief was persistent in arranging the marriage. Even though her heart already belonged to a great warrior in her tribe, her father felt the man wasn’t worthy (wealthy) enough for his daughter, and to avoid destroying the arrangement with the neighboring chief, Noccalula's father banished the young man from his tribe. On the day of the wedding, Noccalula let herself be dressed in the wedding robes, but a great depression soon set over her. She quietly slipped away and leaped into the falls. With great grief, the chief named the falls Noccalula after they claimed his daughters’ life.

Sources

“About.” Noccalula Falls, 0AD, www.noccalulafallspark.com/what-we-do/.

Additional Information

Official Noccalula falls website.