Steve Stockton

Way up in the mountains of Jackson County, near Sylva, North Carolina, there exists a giant, mysterious stone. What makes this large rock so mysterious is that it’s literally covered with weird marks and pictures, that scientists believe to be thousands of years old—perhaps tens of thousands. Even Cherokee Indians think that the area is ancient, as they claim the rock was already there when the tribe moved into the area long, long ago.

In the 1930s, the Greenbrier Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, catered exclusively to wealthy travelers—hunters and tourists alike—from all over the southeast. The legend goes that, back in the day, a young woman named Lydia was staying at the Greenbrier Lodge for an extended visit. A beautiful young girl, Lydia was absolutely head over heels in love with a young gentleman from nearby, and they were engaged to be wed one fine day in the mountains. When her wedding day came, the beautiful Lydia went to the church, resplendent in her beautiful white gown, and waited at the altar for her betrothed. She was so excited—ah, to be young and totally in love and about to be wed to the one with which you are prepared to spend the rest of your life!