After hiking today with Jerry Parker, I visited his farm and the rock. Jerry may know more about this rock than anyone else. He can point out some initials of locals who have carved on it years ago. He looks after it like it is his own.
The rock was carved 1000-1500 years ago. It may have been a boundary marker. The legend is a slant eyed giant ruled this hunting ground. He ruled from the top of Devil's Courthouse. Once while chasing some hunters off his land, he jumped and steadied himself on this rock, leaving a hand print.
The Parker family has owned the land around the rock for over 150 years. It was just a rock in their field until the 1930's when it first began appearing on road maps and drawing some tourists. The Parkers very much wanted to preserve the rock and have donated it and an acre surrounding to the county which now maintains it somewhat. Jerry lived just 150 yards from it so he spends a fair amount of time looking after the rock and admonishing tourists who want to touch and feel the rock.
In the photo above you can see a couple round carved spots on the lower right side. Those are where soapstone bowls were carved from the rock.
Above and below are a drawing and photo which give a much better idea of what is on the rock. The post card is of Jerry's grandfather. In it the carvings have been chalked so you can see them much better.See the slant eyed giant's hand print?
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