Hampton in Rockingham County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
Thorvald's Rock
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 3, 2019
1. Thorvald's Rock Marker
Thorvald Eriksson, brother of Leif Eriksson, led an expedition to Vinland where he was killed by Indians about 1000 years ago. Legend states that Thorvald was wounded during an Indian skirmish, and asked to be burned at a location that resembled the area around Great Boars Head well maybe just a little. Hampton took up the story of the Vikings landing on our shore, and the marks on the surface of this stone were interpreted by some as runic writings. But more than likely they are glacial striations, or even more recent man-made marks. No matter what the truth is, this rock has become a tourist destination and has taken on a life of its own. Thorvald's Rock was taken into protective custody in 1989 to safeguard it from further being pecked at by souvenir hunters.
Noted Hampton historian, Joseph Dow, did not mention this rock in his comprehensive history published in 1888. The story developed in the early 1900s as tourism increased at Hampton Beach and the surrounding land was being developed for summer cottages. The fact that a judge (whose family owned the land) promoted the story, helped to give the romantic account of Viking presence credence. Scholars today doubt the claims, but it makes a colorful tale.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration
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Location. 42° 56.014′ N, 70° 50.094′ W. Marker is in Hampton, New Hampshire, in Rockingham County. Marker is at the intersection of Park Avenue and Cuss Lane, on the right when traveling west on Park Avenue. Located on the grounds of the Tuck Museum of Hampton History. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 40 Park Avenue, Hampton NH 03842, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rev. Ira S. Jones (here, next to this marker); The Proprietary School (a few steps from this marker); Site of the Log Meeting-House (a few steps from this marker); A Little Band Of Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Landing Road (within shouting distance of this marker); First Public School Marker (approx. ¼ mile away); Bell of Fifth Congregational Church Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Roll of Honor WW II (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hampton.
Also see . . .
1. Thorvald's Rock. Roadside America website entry (Submitted on June 14, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. The Tuck Museum of Hampton History. Hampton Historical Society website entry (Submitted on December 20, 2020, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 3, 2019
2. Thorvald's Rock Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 3, 2019
3. Thorvald's Rock Marker
The grounds of the Tuck Museum of Hampton History
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 3, 2019
4. Thorvald's Rock Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 347 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
