Etowah County AlArchives History .....Legend Of Princess Noccalula 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
David Norton http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00025.html#0006057 June 6, 2008, 8:54 pm

Originally known as the Black Creek Falls, the legend as written by Mathilde 
Bilbro:

"Long ago, on a mountain summit within sight and sound of a rushing waterfall, 
lived a great Indian Chief whose young daughter, Noccalula, was famed far and 
wide for her beauty and lovliness of character. Many gallant braves sought the 
old chief for the hand of Noccalula, but only one was favored by the girl's 
father, a rich chief of a powerful neighboring tribe, who had much to offer in 
exchange: wampum, horses, and blankets. Vainly Noccalula pleaded that her heart 
was already given to a young brave of her own tribe. But this young warrior, 
though noted for his skill and valor, possessed little in wordly goods. The old 
chief refused to listen and ordered his daughter to make ready for the marriage 
he had arranged. What was a maiden's silly fancy against many horses, much 
wampum and union with another strong tribe? The girl's lover was driven from 
the tribe, and a marriage agreement was made with the neighboring chief. The 
wedding day came and a great feast was prepared. In silence Noccalula allowed 
herself to be arrayed in festive wedding robes. It was incredible!...To be sold 
to a stranger by the father she loved! Her chosen lover forever banished! 
Overcome with grief, she quietly slipped away from the merrymakers during the 
festivities..the soft rhythmical rush of waters called her...a moment she stood 
poised upon the brink of the yawning chasm. One leap - and her troubles were 
over. Heartbroken, the remorseful father gave the great cataract his daughter's 
name. Since that day the waterfall has been called Noccalula."




Additional Comments:
The author is Mathilde Bilbro; date unknown. The story is widely distributed by 
the city of Gadsden.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/etowah/history/other/legendof316gms.txt

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