Piasa facts for kids
 A modern reproduction of the "Piasa Bird",
on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Alton. Wings were not described in Marquette's 1673 account. |
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| Grouping | Cryptid |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Thunderbird |
| Other name(s) | Paillissa Piasa Bird Piesa |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Illinois |
The Piasa (pronounced PY-uh-saw) or Piasa Bird is a famous creature from Native American legends. It is often described as a type of dragon. This amazing creature is shown in a large painting on the side of a cliff (called a bluff) near the Mississippi River.
The original Piasa painting was created by Native Americans on a bluff in Madison County, Illinois. This spot is now part of Alton, Illinois. The first painting is no longer there. Today, you can see a newer version of the Piasa. It was painted in the 20th century. This modern painting is based on older drawings and pictures from the 1800s. It is located a bit upstream from where the first one was.
What is the Piasa?
The Piasa is a legendary creature. It is part of the rich stories and beliefs of Native American people. It is often shown as a large, winged beast. Some descriptions say it looks like a dragon. The name "Piasa" means "the bird that devours men" in some Native American languages. This suggests it was a powerful and perhaps fearsome creature in their stories.
Where Can You See the Piasa Mural?
The Piasa mural is painted on a tall cliff. This cliff overlooks the Mississippi River in Alton, Illinois. The original painting was on a very good type of rock. This rock was later removed for quarrying in the late 1870s.
The current painting is on a different part of the bluff. The rock there is not as strong. Because of this, the painting needs to be restored often. This helps keep the Piasa looking clear and bright for everyone to see. It is a popular spot for visitors in the area.
Images for kids
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A Thunderbird petroglyph at Washington State Park in Missouri
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Underwater Panther, George Gustav Heye Center, National Museum of the American Indian
See also
In Spanish: Piasa para niños
