Near Siler City, NC is a large circle that measures 40 feet across. No vegetation grows within the circle. Early white settlers who came to the area thought the circle was used for Indian Ceremonies. Somewhere along the way the story of the Devil’s Tramping Ground was born.
Legend tells the circle was made by none other than Satan himself. Each night the Devil paces the circle while he plots evil deeds to spread across the land. If an object is placed within the circle it is mysteriously moved by morning. Local hunters say their hounds refuse to go near the circle-as do horse owners. The area seems to be void of any animal life and even birds refuse to fly above the circle.
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Appalachia is full of scary stories about ghosts, witches, painters, hainted houses, and more. Religion is woven so tightly through Appalachia that the Devil also plays a significant role in the creepy department. When I was growing up I was much more afraid of the Devil getting me than a ghost.
One time a childhood friend of mine decided she’d heard enough about the Devil and wanted to see if he was as mean as everybody at church said he was. She and a cousin decided they’d just dig up the Devil and find out for themselves.
After digging for quite a while, they unearthed something they took for his hair. Once they hit the black strands their bravery left them pretty quick. As kids will do they decided to fix the mess they’d made.
They frantically tried to figure out how to hide their misdeed. I mean how could she explain to her Southern Baptist Deacon Daddy that she had brought the Devil out into broad daylight? In his own backyard?
They found some old concrete, mixed it with water, and poured it in the hole, all the while hoping it would hold Lucifer tight.
Drop back by tomorrow for some examples of how the Devil is used in the language of Appalachia.
Tipper
I really love the stories, they sure give thoughts to the imagination and blessed to have the Good Lord on our side too….just incase lol
Preacher sure could make ya sit up straight preaching on the devil, hell, his angels ect. At a teenager finally felt one evening I had run long enough, didn’t need to be apart of that crowd, gave my life over to the Lord haven’t been scared of the devil since.
I’m not afraid of him, but I’m sure not going to do anything to rile him up either. LOL
From what I’ve read, there are many of these rings and circles throughout the world, and as far as I know, no scientist yet has figured out what causes them or why plants and animals avoid them.
God bless.
RB
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Very interesting!
Tipper,
I called Donna Lynn at our Christian Radio Station awhile ago and requested “Angels Rock Me to Sleep” by the Pressley Girls. Shortly afterwards she played “Cabin By the Side of the Road”
by Ray and Pap Wilson. Those are my Favorites. …Ken
Or, this more likely is where some form of space craft landed. LOL, but could very well be true. Great post Tipper. Carl Martin
This has to be a site where a meteor landed? Who knows until the soil is tested and scientists come in and investigate.
Carl Martin
That picture just looks to me like a bunch of skeletons might have got together and had a big bonefire.
Tipper,
Yesterday was my brother’s birthday, Harold, the brother closest to my age.
I commented too yesterday, but I might have forgot to punch Post. Anyway, today is another day and I’ll try again. Years ago I remember your post of that place near Siler City, N.C. It sure does seem strange that nothing will grow in that 40 foot circle. Devil stories can scare the daylights out of you sometimes. …Ken
Love this story. Following.
The Devil does get around all right. On I-75 above Caryville, Tn those ‘edgeways’ rocks on the east side of the interstate are called the Devil’s Racetrack.
There are also some several plants with ‘devil’ in their name; devil’s shoestring, devil’s bit, devil’s club. I think one name for the walking stick insect is the devil’s darning needle.
I had a mild mannered and sweet aunt who se language was always delicate. My brother escorted her to her home after they all went square dancing and she was having a hard time getting her door unlocked. Finally she said “The Devil!” pretty strongly and my brother had all he could do to keep from laughing. It’s one of our family stories–I miss her so much and all the old ones who are gone now.
The threat of ‘the Devil is going to get you’ would make a whole house full of children turn into little angels in the blink of an eye.
What a cool scary story! Has anyone ever had the soil tested asks my adult self?