Devil's Backbone (rock formation) facts for kids
The Devil's Backbone is a special rock formation and a piece of land shaped like a finger (called a peninsula). It was formed where Fourteen Mile Creek flows into the big Ohio River. You can find it inside Charlestown State Park near Charlestown, Indiana. It's also right across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.
Local stories say that a long time ago, around the 1100s, a stone fort stood on this rocky ridge. Some legends even say it was built by Welsh explorers led by Prince Madoc.
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What is the Devil's Backbone?
The Devil's Backbone is a unique natural feature. It's a high, rocky ridge that sticks out into the Ohio River. Think of it like a natural wall made of stone. This area is part of a larger rock formation that has been shaped over thousands of years.
How Was it Formed?
Scientists believe the Devil's Backbone was created by something called glaciation. This means huge sheets of ice, like giant glaciers, moved across the land a very long time ago.
- As the ice melted, it created powerful rivers of water.
- These meltwater rivers carved out valleys.
- The Ohio River itself was pushed into a new path.
- All these changes left the Devil's Backbone standing alone as a high, rocky ridge between two valleys.
Rose Island Amusement Park
At the bottom of the Devil's Backbone, on a flat area, there used to be a very popular amusement park called Rose Island.
- This park was a fun place to visit in the 1920s.
- It had rides, a swimming pool, and places to eat.
- Sadly, a huge flood on the Ohio River in 1937 destroyed the park.
- Today, you can still see some of the old ruins of Rose Island.
Visiting the Area Today
Even though you can't walk directly onto the Devil's Backbone ridge from the park's main trails, you can still explore the area.
- Charlestown State Park has many hiking trails.
- One trail goes in a loop around the old Rose Island site.
- This trail takes you right below the Devil's Backbone ridge, where you can imagine what the park was like long ago.
Other Places Called Devil's Backbone
It's interesting to know that there's another place with the same name! This other Devil's Backbone is located near Fort Ritner, Indiana, which is east of Bedford, Indiana.
