Taughannock Giant

Taughannock Giant. . , In 1879, the Taughannock Giant was created by Trumansburg resident Ira Dean at his home on nearby Bradley Street. Possibly inspired by the story of the Cardiff (NY) Giant, 10 years before, he used a mixture of cement, iron filings, organic materials, phosphorus, acids and plaster. Eventually he produced a humanoid figure a little over six feet tall and weighing some 700 pounds. Hoping for some fun and a bit of profit, he partnered with the owner of a hotel very near the Taughannock Falls Overlook. Late at night, with help sworn to secrecy, Dean buried his “stone man” at a construction site on the hotel grounds. The next day, right before the Fourth of July, the figure was unearthed to an amazed reception. , For all that summer, the “Pre-histori-cus” as he was sometimes called was an object of wonder; to some, an ancient petrified man or idol; to others, a clever ruse or just humbug. Once the truth was revealed, the Taughannock Giant moved into the realm of enduring local folklore. , The photo here shows two Trumansburg gents with the newly unearthed original figure. In 2019 Annemarie Zwack, guided by the County History Center and using a metal armature devised by blacksmiths Durand Van Doren and Teo Aceto, built the full scale replica Giant you see here to honor the original. , You can visit the approximate site where the Taughannock Giant “discovered” when you visit the Visitor Center at the Overlook in upper Taughannock Falls State Park a couple of miles south of Trumansburg village. Stay on Main Street/Rte 96 South and follow the signs leading to your left.