Hannibal in Marion County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Legend of Lovers Leap
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 15, 2020
1. The Legend of Lovers Leap Marker
While the story varies according to the teller of the story, the main elements are that an Indian brave and an Indian princess from warring tribes were prevented from marrying by their parents and tribes. One evening when the Indian brave landed his canoe in Bear Creek, he was observed meeting and walking with the Indian princess. A treacherous observer revealed this to the father of the Indian princess who was the Chief of the tribe. The angered father offered an otter skin to anyone who would kill the brave. A number of the younger warriors started after the brave. When the couple realized they were being chased, they climbed Lovers Leap hoping to elude their pursuers. Cornered on the rock prominence, the brave knew he was about to be killed. The princess also realized this, and decided that life would not be worth living if he were killed. The two embraced and threw themselves off of the top of Lovers Leap to their deaths. Lovers Leap is thus a memorial to these two young Indians who sacrificed their lives rather than be apart, according to legend.
Written by J. Hurley and Roberta Haygood
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 39° 42.245′ N, 91° 20.839′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Craig Dowell • Joey Hoag • Billy Hoag (a few steps from this marker); 9/11 Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mark Twain Hotel (approx. half a mile away); Clemens Field Commemoration (approx. half a mile away); 351⅛ (approx. half a mile away); 342 (approx. half a mile away); 390 (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hannibal.
Also see . . . Lover's Leap. Hannibal Parks & Recreation website entry (Submitted on September 23, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 15, 2020
2. The Legend of Lovers Leap Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 15, 2020
3. Lover's Leap Rock Outcropping
"Leaping For Love Abounds In Missouri’s Folklore"
Environmental Echo website entry
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Environmental Echo website entry
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Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 15, 2020
4. View North Toward Hannibal from Lover's Leap Outcropping
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,616 times since then and 342 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 23, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
