Rock Hawk Effigy Mound

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Rock Hawk Effigy Mound is an archaeological site in Putnam County, Georgia, U.S.A. (33°20.693′N, 83°10.502′W) It consists of thousands of pieces of quartzite laid in the shape of a large bird. Although it is most often referred to as a hawk it is unknown exactly what type of bird its original builders intended to portray.

Only two such effigy mounds have been found east of the Mississippi River. The other, known as Rock Eagle, is also located in Putnam County, approximately thirteen miles to the northwest. (33°25.045′N, 83°23.288′W) The physical condition of Rock Hawk is far below that of its 'sister' site, and a degree of imagination must be employed in order to see a bird—let alone a hawk—in the remains. It is uncertain if this is the result of greater degradation of the Rock Hawk site, greater preservation or reconstruction at Rock Eagle (which is by far the more famous of the two and a greater 'attraction'), or a combination of these or other factors.

Current archaeology suggests that it was built between 1,000 and 3,000 years ago by Woodland Indians. These Native Americans may have been part of the Adena or Hopewell cultures, although it is more likely that they represented a unique group.

Access to the mound itself is prohibited, and the site is surrounded by a tall fence. The site remains under the administration of the Georgia Power company, which maintains an easily accessible parking area near the mound as well as a network of hiking trails and other recreational amenities in the area. Visitors are permitted to visit the mound free of charge. The site is located along Wallace Dam Road, off State Route 16, several miles east of Eatonton, near the shores of the manmade Lake Oconee.