Samson Rock facts for kids

Samson Rock, also called Sampson's Rock, is a very large boulder located in Madison, a town in New Haven County, Connecticut. This special rock is known as a glacial erratic. This means it's a huge piece of rock that was moved and left behind by a glacier many thousands of years ago.

The rock is famous because of an old legend from the Algonquin, who are Native Americans. They believed that a powerful giant named Odziozo created the rock.

The Legend of Odziozo and Samson Rock

How the Giant Created the Land

The Algonquin legend tells a fascinating story about how Samson Rock came to be. It says that the giant Odziozo was busy shaping the land. He threw a large piece of land out into the sea. This action created a small piece of land surrounded by water, which we know today as Tuxis Island.

The Birth of Samson Rock

When Odziozo flung the land, a big hole was left behind where the land used to be. This hole eventually filled up with water and became Tuxis Pond. As the giant worked, one rock slipped from his hand. This single rock landed and became what we now call Samson Rock.

The Giant's Footprint

The legend continues that as Odziozo was leaving the area, he stepped right onto this newly formed rock. If you look closely at the top of Samson Rock, you can see a shape that looks a bit like a giant's footprint. The Algonquin people used this mark to help tell their story and show how the giant Odziozo was connected to the rock.

Naming the Rock

From Odziozo to Samson

When European settlers arrived in the 1600s, they heard the Algonquin legend about the giant's rock. The settlers connected this powerful story to a strong figure from their own traditions: the Biblical Samson. Because of this connection, they started calling the rock "Samson Rock," and the name has stayed ever since.

Finding Samson Rock Today

Samson Rock is important because of its long history and the legends connected to it. Even though it's famous, it can be a little tricky to find. It's tucked away between two shopping centers and a parking lot in Madison.

Honoring the Legend

The rock itself sits on a base that has a special bronze plaque. This plaque was put there to remember the legend of Samson Rock. The Madison Foundation, along with the Madison Rotary Club and Stop and Shop, helped place this plaque. There's even a road and a bus stop nearby that share the name "Samson Rock," showing how important this landmark is to the community.

Protecting Samson Rock

A Brief Incident

In late December of 2012, something unfortunate happened to the plaque on Samson Rock. Someone damaged the plaque by changing the name "Samson" on it. Luckily, the plaque was soon fixed and returned to its original condition, so everyone can still read the legend.

The Rock's Foundation

It's interesting to note that the large rock that Samson Rock rests on is not part of the glacial deposit itself. This means the main Samson Rock boulder was placed on top of an existing, older rock formation.