“The Fairy Crosses”
Brasstown
Even the Fairies in the Great Smokies wept when Christ died. And the tears they spilled turned to stone and formed tiny crosses-symbols of the Crucifixion. That is the story old Indians tell.
For the skeptical, the Cherokee will show you the tiny crosses to prove the story they tell-a story that has been handed down through almost 2,000 years of telling. No human hand carved these crosses, which lie scattered upon the earth near here. And nowhere else in all the Cherokee land will you find them except at this one spot in the Clay County hills.
I first heard the story of the fairy crosses many years ago, but it was only recently that I went searching for the spot where the strange miracle occurred.
A friend of mine, Lynn Gault, led me to the spot and I have a hundred or more of the tiny crosses which I picked up to prove they do exist. But unless you know what you are seeking you probably would never notice them, for they are the color of the earth and at first glance look like so many pebbles. The little crosses only become significant when the story about them is told.
And the story the Cherokee tell is a story that rightfully belongs in the treasury of world folklore and myth and legend.
“My people,” said Arsene Thompson, “have told the story through the ages about the crosses. It is a beautiful story.”
Arsene is a Cherokee Indian preacher who plays the role of Elias Boudinot, the Indian missionary, in the Cherokee Indian drama, “Unto These Hills.”
“Yes,” said Arsene, “it is a strange story. And this is what the old men told me when I was a boy. When the world was young there lived in these mountains a race of little people. They were spirit people. Like the fairies you read about. Now, one day when these little people had gathered to dance and sing around a pool deep in the woods a spirit messenger arrived from a strange city far, far away in the Land of the Dawn. But soon the dancing and singing stopped, for the messenger brought them sad tidings. The messenger told them Christ was dead. The little people were silent, then they were sad. And as they listened to the story of how Christ had died on the Cross, they wept and their tears fell upon the earth and turned into small stones. But the stones were neither round nor square. Each was in the form of a beautiful little cross. Hundreds of tears fell to earth and turned into tiny stone crosses, but the little people were so dazed and heartbroken they did not notice what was happening. So with the joy gone from their hearts, they wandered away into the forest to their homes. But around the spot where they had been dancing and singing, where they had stopped to shed their tears, the ground was covered with these symbols of the death of Christ.”
What happened to the little people? I asked. Are they still here in the mountains? Has anyone ever seen them?
“No one knows for sure what happened to them,” said Arsene. “I first heard the story when I was a boy and the old men of the tribe who told it to me said that after that day the little people were never seen again. But the old men said that on still nights you could hear them whispering along the river and that when there was a gentle breeze their sighs could be heard in the tall trees.”
—Roaming the Mountains written by John Parris
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of Roaming the Mountains written by John Parris. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends November 10, 2025.
Last night’s video: I Made a Hearty Meal for My Sick Family.
Tipper
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My daughter lost her second tooth while we were waiting for “Unto These Hills” to begin. Loose teeth creep me out, so they had to become loose enough to literally fall out. Her first fell out into her bowl of Cherrios. She turns 42 today. Happy Birthday, Lisa.
The Cherokee have many interesting stories. Tipper, thanks for blogging this fascinating story, and thanks for igniting my interest in John Parris books.
Wow! So very interesting to say the least; wonderful story and legend associated with the “fairie crosses” ……..
Thanks for the story of the little crosses.
What a heart warming legend. It would be just magical to find one of these.
Interesting story. Would love to read the book.
So intriguing. Such a beautiful story. Blessings.
Correction
I said I didn’t have Mr Parris book “Roaming These Hills” I meant to put “Roaming The Mountains”.
I enjoyed this story very much. I remember reading John Parris articles in the Asheville Citizen Times Newspaper, I always enjoyed reading his stuff and have some of his books but don’t have “Roaming These Hills”.
Has Kati ever found Fairy Crosses on her rock hunting jaunts? I’d love to find one. That was an interesting story. Love ya.
You delight us with new to us authors and sentimental stories. I wish I had one of those “fairy crosses.”
What a wonder to see! Would love to find one. Beautiful story!
Thank you for sharing so many good books! I really appreciate the recommendations as well as the books that you have recorded on your YouTube channel.
How lovely this story is!
Hope everyone is feeling a bit better.
Tipper, you have a picture that might be what every is wanting
https://blindpigandtheacorn.com/fairy-cross/
Thank you Ed for sharing this link with the picture of the fairy cross. What a wonderful find that would be so since that isn’t going to be happening, seeing the picture is the next best thing! 🙂
John Alvis Parris Jr. was my 3rd cousin .
What a wonderful story! Sure wish there was a picture of the little crosses!❤️
I had some fairy stones years ago but don’t know what happened to them.
Several friends and I had a children’s art school, Picasso’s Playhouse, about 20 years ago. Every fall our students built simple fairy houses out of items the children gathered such as twigs, small stones, pine cones, marbles, mud, and other materials. Each child had a cardboard box to build their fairy houses in, and they were very creative in designing them. Our local library had an outdoor fairy house village where they were displayed and they held viewings for the community.
Today was my last day as an art instructor at OASIS in Blairsville. Adults are much more hesitant to paint than children, who tend to jump right in and put paint to canvas!
This is so interesting to me. I will have to read this book. Sometimes I can rent them from the library. I hope everyone is feeling better. The meal looked delicious!
Would love Katie to make some necklaces out of cross rocks or heart rocks!
FYI…my Ingles in Loganville, GA has stopped selling Postum! I had to order through Amazon.
Love the story sounds interesting
would love to read that book
Mr Norman I will be praying for your brother and family, also for all requests everyone has ask, both spoken and unspoken request too. These are hard times, I as others, never expected during our lifetimes. We must remember this, God is in charge and he has always been so. Miss Tipper what a sweet and loving story about our Savior, Jesus Christ. Another perfect give away with the hope of winning the draw. God bless everyone today tomorrow and always. Hey Miss Louzine, hope your day is good. Love to all the family.
This is a beautiful story! I would love to see the tiny crosses.
Such an interesting post, I’ve never heard of the fairy crosses. I would love to see a picture of one.
Hope Louzine has a good day!!❤️
I don’t know what went on this morning, but I got some kind of email message from Tipper and the BP&A about posting a comment and it also included a comment from Cheryl W asking if I was ok. I was awake at 4 o’clock this morning but went back to sleep before leaving a comment, most mornings I don’t go back to sleep. Cheryl I am ok, I woke up with everything hurting, I take that as a good sign meaning everything is still working, if I wake up not hurting, I will dial 911 and go to the ER to see if I am still alive and what is wrong! Young people would do the opposite of that.
What a beautiful story
What a beautiful and heart warming story. Would love to have copy of this book.
Beautiful Story Of Long Ago.
Absolutely love the story and wish I could go see the crosses. Could you share a picture?
Good Morning, Tipper, This is my third attempt trying to send a comment to Blind Pig and the Acorn. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. I so enjoy all your family’s posts and videos. I would love this book. Most of the books I read are set in the mountains of Appalachia, or are true stories about the mountains and the people who live there. Did you know fairy stones are mentioned in one of The Waltons episodes? Keep doing what you do so well…making us feel like part of your wonderful family. May God send you His sweetest blessings.
Rita, sorry for that trouble! I don’t remember that episode 🙂 But would love to see it! Thank you!
Tipper, I searched online, and I think the Waltons episode that mentions the fairy stone was the last episode of season 4…..episode 24…..”The Collision.” Elizabeth has a little friend named Ariel…..who always seems to have “something better” than whatever Elizabeth has. I hope this helps…..and you can watch it.
Thank you Rita!
Good morning, Tipper and Tipper fans! I am an American enthusiastic from WAY back and the Indians of this country I have always been interested in. How sad for them to lose so much of their beautiful nature filled lands!! I would so enjoy reading John Paris’s book, and selfishly hope my name is picked. May God bless you and your family, Tipper, and I’m hoping and praying that Granny is in no pain, bless her heart! Everyone have a great day!!!
Love this story . I have never heard that before ! Sounds like another great read !
I love this story. Can just picture it all in my mind.
What a beautiful story! I’ve never heard of this before. Thank you for sharing.
There’s a story we heard in AZ about Native American women standing above a cliff crying and eventually jumping to their deaths. Their tears are said to have turned to stones similar to roses.
We gathered several but I can’t remember why they were supposedly crying and dying. A vague memory spasm makes me think their men either died in battle or from some disease they contracted. It’s just been too many years and too much brain damage (read: hits on the head, rot/decay, etc.) for me to recall all of it.
I’ve read some of Parris’ writings and I’m sure I would enjoy reading his book.
Oh, this is a book I would love to have, read, and pass down to my grandson! What a beautiful story!
I remember a Rev. Walkingstick, Cherokee preacher.
Such a sad and lovely story.
I love this story! I’ve always wanted to read John’s books and they have them at our library but they are always already checked out when I look for them. I found a couple at an antique store on Dellwood but they were asking quite a price for them so I wasn’t able to get them. Hope all is well in the holler today. God bless
Oh I would love a copy of John Paris’s book! I love that story!
That’s a beautiful story. I would love to see one of these crosses.
Ever since moving from Lake Wales Florida to Murphy 13 years ago my wife has been fascinated with fairy crosses. We have seen them in gem stores but the good size ones are very dear in price. My wife had spoken to many of the local residents about where to find these pieces of God’s creation. Before she retired from the museum in Murphy my wife spoke with the curator about where to find them and she was told there are on private property so that was out. I heard from another local that they can be found on Martin’s Creek Rd which I travel all the time but do not know where. It is fitting that these stone crosses are rare and hard to find because it is like Jesus He is there in front of us but if we don’t look in the right places we’ll never find them. I love the story of the crosses being tears from heaven due to Jesus’s death. My wife and I are both saved and have found the live of Jesus ; now the only thing we want is to find some fairy crosses. I use to tell my students in drug rehab that there are wants and needs. You need to have Jesus in your life and we want to find the crosses. One I can live without and one I can’t. Have a blessed day.
I enjoyed the story and the comments!
Thanks, Tipper, for a beautiful story I had never heard.
Would love this book! I love fairy stories
This made me think of Katie!! Has she ever been exploring for the fairy crosses? I’ve never heard the ole legend before but I’m interested now!!
Have a Happy Day Acorns ️
Robin, she has found them in Brasstown 🙂
one of the coolest stories I have heard in a long time….praying for Granny, also wondering if any one tried echinacea for the cold….it really does work by strengthening your immune system and then your body fights it off itself (I think I have seen coneflower in your garden). Also, the way I learned about mullein or rather the use of it is for an outer problem (cut, sore, rash) make a poultice with it (basically just dampen the leaf) and cover the wound. For congestion instead of drinking tea from it, you smoke or burn some dry mullein and inhale the smoke so it can get down into your lungs and fight off the infection. And on both counts of mullein use I can attest—as well as the echinacea, it helped my body rid me of a bad tooth infection that two rounds of antibiotics could not
Gaylia, we’ve been using both 🙂 Everyone is feeling better.
Fascinating!!
Keeping Mr. Norman’s brother Bennie in my prayers.
As always, praying for Granny.
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing!
I had one of those crosses a long time ago but don’t know what happened to it. I’m going to look in my keepsakes storage boxes to see if I can find it. I never knew this story. Sweet.
I love to read stories like this. For me, I put this in same category as “The Legend Of The Dogwood.” I bought this book this morning off of EBay, with my luck, my chances are a lot better of getting it that way. I do have two other books by John Parris.
yup. we have gathered “Fairy Crosses” in the Brasstown community. Clay Logan is a great point of contact.
There’s a James Clay Logan that lives somewhere over in Clay County that married my second cousin Judy. Reckon that could be him? Is he the famous possum dropper?
Tipper – how interesting. Try to post a photo of the stone, please. I love this story and have always believed in “signs.” I hope I’m chosen to receive this book.
What a wonderful story passed down through the ages about the fairies and the tiny crosses appearing when Christ died. Thank you for your posts and your YouTube channel. Each one is always interesting.
I am so thankful that Tipper introduced me to the works of John Partis. I really enjoy his writing. Loved this story. Love and prayers to all and especially Granny.
I am not familiar with fairy crosses. It would sure be fun to search for them!
What a beautiful and interesting story! Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day Tipper – and may the delicious chicken and dumplings you made last evening have done the trick in all your ailing ‘lovies’ so they be feeling better today. Always y’all are in my prayers. Praying that Granny is having comfortable days. It is good to hear she is back doing a bit more crocheting.
I used to have a Fairy Cross (also known as a Fairy Stone) that came from Fairy Stone State Park in Virginia. The same story is associated with these Fairy Stones. They are considered to be good luck charms. Wish I knew what happened to mine!
We have a state park in Virginia called Fairy Stone State Park and you can find the crosses there. I have not been to this park.
What a touching story! Having one of these fairy rocks would be a wonderful reminder of what our dear Lord and Savior did for us so we could spend eternity with Him!
I made your squash casserole from yours and Jim’s cookbook last night, it was delicious! ❤️
I would love to see a photo of one of those fairy crosses.
What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful story. I would love to read the book. Thank you for posting this.
Now that is the kind of reading I love to read, great story.
I wish we had a picture of these!
This sounds like an awesome book!!
This made me smile this morning. What a beautiful story.
Good morning, would love to win this.
Such a lovely story! Thank you for sharing!
That sounds like such a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing this interesting excerpt with us, Tipper!
I have no idea where my fairy cross stone came from, and I didn’t know what it was until about a year ago. After it was identified, I became interested in finding more. There is a park in VA where folks can hunt for fairy stones, but I think they are crystals, not earth-colored like Parris wrote about. I wonder what the geologists have to say about these mysterious stones.
Oh, what a story! That book sounds like a very interesting read. There are so many books to read and so little time. Sigh.
In Virginia at FairyStone State Park you can find these as well . When I was a boy my family would camp there in the Fall. My Dad would take us to look for these Fairy Crosses. I remember finding a few but don’t know where they ended up.
You brought back some good memories of campfires and Dutch oven meals. Thanks and God Bless
Jeff in Virginia
There is a place near Dilon Fork, Virginia where my uncle and aunt ran a small wayside store, selling soft drinks and snacks to tourists. Across the road was a mountainside where we often went hunting for these stones. Uncle Calvin polishd these stones and sold them to the tourists as well. During the forties and fifties (the war years) Uncle Calvin presented each Cochran and Pendleton man going off to the military with a cross and chain to wear until he returned home.
I learn something from each of your posts. You are full of knowledge & we who follow you are blessed from getting to know you more each time you post. This is a beautiful story you posted today. What a joy it must have been to know John Parris & sit & listen to his stories.
I’ve heard of these geological wonders also called “Fairy Stones” using a different but also magical story, influenced by the Scots Irish as well as the indigenous folks. I’m glad to know this version, too.
How beautiful. I have loved fairies since I was a little girl, and I am so glad to hear another lovely fairy story. That it involves my Lord makes it so much more dear. ❤️
Good morning all! I’ve never heard this story but when I was a little girl, there was a place in Virginia where we could pick them up off the ground. Fairy Stone State Park https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/fairy-stone
It was a beautiful place and so much fun to find them. Unfortunately, that was a few decades ago and I don’t know if they’re still easy to find or not. I still have the one I found.
Happy Thursday!
I so enjoyed this post. I am a Clay County native and the tears of the fairies touched me. I have never been to the place you speak of but heard about it when I was small. The old people used to whisper this tale. I wish I had paid more attention growing up. I think it must be hard to hear the whispers today. The noise of the world the cars, the horns, the bustle, the business of our lives, surely prevents us from the quiet reflection necessary. Thank you for reminding us.
I grew up just a few miles from Fairy Stone State Park in Patrick County Virginia where these stones can still be found. And while the legend says fairy, my elder always said they were angel tears…regardless we all have one or two of them if you live in the area. Mine always reminds me of Jesus’s sacrifice for my salvation!
I enjoy your blog posts very much. This one about the tiny stone crosses was touching. Thank you.
I heard that story not long after we moved here, probably from you, Tipper. My husband and I were eager to learn things about our new home area. I’d love to read John Parris’s book!
This takes me back to my youth. I had forgotten this beautiful story and I had a cross many years ago. I don’t know what happened to it, but I’d love to read this book.
Sounds like fun reading. I enjoy stories about Appalachia.
Missing Randy this morning! I searched for his early morning wonderful comment. Hope all is well. Always praying for you and the rest of us “Acorns”, as Paul has lovingly dubbed us.
What a beautiful story! We have John’s Mountain Country Cooking that I just happened to stumble upon at a used bookstore in Sylva. I snapped it up so fast lol. I had no idea he had written others.
What an intriguing story, and so well written. I would love to read this book!
I love this story. I think I may have heard the Little People years ago while camping in Cherokee. I hope I did anyway.
This is such an inspirational story. It reminds that the story of Christ knows no boundaries. Thank you for sharing this, Tipper.
That is interesting, we have Cherokee in our family bloodline from our mother’s side of our family and I’ve never heard of this story. I’m going to have to do some research and learn more about my mom’s family history.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing that.
What a beautiful story, I love the passing down of tradition and stories from generations.
I have read fictional stories about the little people, but this story is new to me. Very interesting and emotional. Thank you for sharing. God bless!
I like that story! There is a Cherokee legend about the Moon Eye people at Fort Mountain state park near Chatworth, Ga
This is very cool, Tipper. Thank you for sharing. Is this place somewhere anyone can venture to? Would love to take the grands on a mountain exploration adventure!
I don’t comment much, but thanks for your blog. Your adventures coincide with what I’m doing on our mountain. I’ve learned so much from you.
Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving and holidays to you
Debbie, I believe the property is now private land. Glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Being of Cherokee heritage I would love to win the copy of Roaming the Mountains. I had never heard of the little Fairy Crosses. I would love to see one or get my hands on one. While watching you cook that wonderful chicken and dumplin meal I think I was drooling on my computer screen.
Oh my, what a beautiful story John Parris shared in his book. I’ve never heard that story before about the little people or the cross stones. Thank you for sharing this with us.
The thought that came to my mind as I read your post Tipper was when the Lord said “Even the stones would cry out.” That is a very interesting story. I saw Unto These Hills many years ago. I sure would love to read this book. God bless and hope granny has a wonderful day.
I used to search for fairies when I was little. Interesting story.
My brother in law found a lot of fairy crosses on his property in Blue Ridge. I lived on the same property for 19 years but didn’t find any. It’s a beautiful story about what they represent.
Watching you cook always makes me hungry. Now I’m wanting chicken and dumplings. My mama used to make the best ones. I really like the fluffy ones.
I hope all of you feel better soon! Prayers and ❤️
I haven’t visited The Cherokee village since I was a child and I plan to take my grand children there next summer. We all need to learn about our heritage and would love to read the book. Thanks for your interesting stories.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
Is this story where the “Lucky Cross” came from?
I love that story about the crosses. My great grandmother was part Cherokee. I want to start researching the history of the Cherokee and what their life was like. Thank you.
I enjoy all of the posts, recipes, stories, history and music. Thank you for sharing.
A good story. It is wonderful that God spread his love all over the world even before America came to be. Pray all of ya’ll are well.
Fascinating! I would love to read all of the John Pariss books starting with Roaming the Mountains. Being a book collector obtaining obscure books is a hobby. Still looking for his cookbook too. Good morning everyone!
Interesting, I had never heard of this. Now I’m going to searching for them lol.
What a beautiful story. I’ve heard many like this mainly of the dogwood tree. Thank you Tipper
John Parris is great. I have several of his other books.
I grew up in Asheville reading articles from the Citizens Times written by John Parris. I would love to have your next giveaway. Always sending prayers for Granny.
Sounds like an interesting read.
wow…i have not ever heard this before today. Thank you for sharing!
I have heard of the “little people” of Cherokee lore, but had not heard of the fairy crosses. I will delve further into this cross story, for sure. Have a great day!
This is such an interesting story. If you haven’t yet, maybe you can read it to us on Fridays sometime. I am watching your chicken and dumplings video from last evening and having my morning coffee. I sure hope everyone in your family is feeling much better after your wonderful meal. Prayers for all, especially your Mama.
I recently visited the Indian village in Cherokee. So many stories and history that is orally shared but not written down. This sounds like a great book!
I would love to find a fairy cross! Have a great day! Continuing prayers for Granny and all of y’all. ♥️
Tipper,
Yes, the story is strange as miracles are.
good morning everyone, thank you for praying for my brother, please continue to do so, he decided to take chemotherapy, yesterday was his first treatment, God bless Granny Wilson
Norman, I will keep praying for him and for you too!