Rock Eagle Effigy Mound

Rock Eagle Effigy Mound is an archaeological site in Eatonton, Georgia, where thousands of white quartz stones form a bird figure on the ground. The stones lie close together and shape a body, wings, and head in a pattern that stretches over 100 feet (30 meters).

Groups from the Woodland Period laid out this stone figure between 1000 BC and AD 300 using material from the surrounding area. The site remained intact over centuries and was only systematically documented in the 20th century.

The white quartz figure shows a bird with its head pointing east, suggesting a link to solar cycles observed by the communities who built it. Visitors today can stand on a platform and see how the outline becomes visible from above.

An observation platform allows you to see the entire stone figure from above, as the pattern is not fully visible from ground level. Information panels on site explain the origin and meaning of the arrangement for visitors without prior knowledge.

The bird pattern is one of the few surviving animal shapes from pre-Columbian times in North America and consists of stones that are not held together with mortar. Each stone was placed individually and has remained in the same spot for over 2,000 years.

Location: Putnam County

GPS coordinates: 33.41750,-83.38810

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:31