|
Fairystone State Park, Stuart, VA
Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of the original six state parks that opened on June 15, 1936, is home to the
mysterious "fairy stones." The park's cross-shaped, namesake stone is prevalent in the region, which also features beautiful
scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities that make Fairy Stone a favorite. The park's land was donated in
1933 by Junius B. Fishburn, former president of the Southwest Virginia Trust Co. and former owner of the Roanoke Times. The
park is 4,868 acres, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day. The park, its lake
and many structures still in use were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The Legend of the Fairy Stone: Many hundreds
of years before Chief Powhatan’s reign, fairies were dancing around a spring of water, playing with naiads and wood
nymphs, when an elfin messenger arrived from a city far away. He brought news of the death of Christ. When these creatures
of the forest heard the story of the crucifixion, they wept. As their tears fell upon the earth, they crystallized to form
beautiful crosses.
For many years people held these little crosses in superstitious awe, firm in the belief that they protected the wearer
against witchcraft, sickness, accidents and disaster. Fairy stones are staurolite, a combination of silica, iron and aluminum.
Staurolite crystallizes in twin form at 60 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which accounts for the stone's cross-like structure.
Found only in rocks having been subjected to great heat and pressure, the mineral was formed long, long ago, during the rise
of the Appalachian Mountains. The stones are most commonly shaped like St. Andrew’s cross, an "X," but "T" shaped Roman
crosses and square Maltese crosses are the most sought-after.
The rare staurolite stones are found elsewhere but not in such abundance as at Fairy Stone State Park. For more information,
please visit www.stonecrossmountain.com.
|
