Fall River, Massachusetts: Rolling Rock
Big, traffic-obstructing Rolling Rock no longer rolls, but it's still cherished by the city of Fall River.
Rolling Roc
- Address:
- County St., Fall River, MA
- Directions:
- At the intersection of County and Buckley Sts, on the east side of the city. Take I-195 exit 8A onto Hwy 24, then immediately take exit 2. At the end of the ramp turn right onto Brayton Ave./Eastern Ave. and follow Eastern Ave. north for about 1.5 miles. The rock will be on the right, opposite Lafayette Park on the left, in a little triangle just north of Barre St. and just south of County St.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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Rolling Rock: The 140-ton boulder, which has been a postcard-worthy traffic hazard for longer than anyone can remember, is now the "official glacial rock" of Massachusetts, thanks to a bill signed into law by governor Deval Patrick. [12/13/2009] Complete Story...
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Rolling Rock Before the dawn of history, a glacier left a big roundish rock atop a flat rock pedestal, which is now in a busy intersection in the city of Fall River. It remains here thanks to the Fall River citizens of the early 20th century, who waged a 25 year battle to thwart the forces of traffic safety and keep their beloved rock where it had always been.
At one time the rock really did roll -- or rock back and forth -- and it was said that the local Indians would torture prisoners by rolling the rock onto their arms and legs. By the 1860s, however, the Indians were gone, and the rock was anchored to prevent any further crushing of limbs.
At the base of the rock is a plaque, now green with age, that records the town's triumph: "ROLLING ROCK," it reads. "Deposited on this spot during the glacial period ages ago. Unique in its tilting feature, it is recognized as of great historic and scientific interest. Preserved by the public in the year 1930."
[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 12/13/2009]Nearby Offbeat Places
- Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, MA - 1 mi.
- Lizzie Borden Murderabilia, Fall River, MA - 1 mi.
- Battleship Massachusetts, Fall River, MA - 2 mi.
- In the region: Oldest Tourist Attraction in America, Plymouth, MA - 30 mi.
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