The Stories Behind This Haunted Mountain Near Austin Are Truly Creepy
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Elisa Regulski
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Seventeen miles north of Fredericksburg’s quaint shopping district sits a magnificent rock structure that has astonished people for generations. Enchanted Rock is a small hill made of glittering pink granite that stands in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. Ancient folklore weaves tales of romantic pursuits and gut-wrenching heartache. Adventurous Texas Rangers made history here. The stories behind this awe-inspiring rock formation are truly creepy.
Enchanted Rock is known for making an eerie, whirring sound late into the night. Native Americans believed this bone-chilling sound came from an ominous spirit lurking over the formation. According to legend, an ancient leader wrongfully sacrificed his daughter on the top of the hill. The gods punished him to an eternity of roaming the surface of the mountain, and his labored moaning continues to reverberate across the land.
Another piece of Native American folklore spins the tale of a kidnapped woman living amongst the shimmering stones. After escaping from the Comanches, she fled to Enchanted Rock for shelter. Her cries of anguish continue to pierce the air.
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While the stories have plenty of thrill and danger, the rock's creepy sound is most likely due to its constant heating and cooling. The temperature differences also caused deep cracks to appear. These crevices came in handy for Texas Ranger Captain Jack Hays back in 1841. In order to escape from the Comanches, Hays ducked inside one of the rock's cracks and stayed out of their sight. He was able to wound numerous Comanches and stay safe until the rest of the rangers arrived.
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In the late 1700s, a young Spanish soldier named Don Jesús Navarro fell head over heels for a Native American girl named Rosa. Eager to sacrifice her to the gods of Enchanted Rock, Comanche Indians kidnapped her and tried to burn her at the stake. Thankfully, Don Jesús Navarro rescued her in time and brought her back to safety.
Don't let these chilling tales turn you away from this magnificent landmark. Enchanted Rock is full of gorgeous hiking trails and rare wildlife. This gorgeous natural area is worth the drive.
Have you explored this alleged haunted mountain near Austin? Did you witness anything peculiar? Feel free to share in the comments.
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