Rock Eagle, a name synonymous with mystery and natural splendor in Georgia, invites you to explore a unique landmark nestled within the expansive Oconee National Forest. Located just north of Eatonton, the Rock Eagle 4-H Center spans nearly 1,500 acres of pristine forested land, complete with a serene 110-acre lake. This remarkable destination serves as an exceptional retreat from the hustle of everyday life and a hub for education and engagement.
Since its establishment in 1955, the Rock Eagle 4-H Center has grown into the largest of the University of Georgia’s five centers dedicated to supporting the state’s 4-H program. Annually, it welcomes thousands of young participants to the Georgia 4-H Environmental Education Program and the beloved Summer Camping Program, both accessible through Georgia’s County Extension Offices.
Beyond its pivotal role in youth development, Rock Eagle 4-H Center is a vibrant venue for diverse gatherings. From competitive 4-H events and leadership conferences to rallies, and from civic and religious meetings to business conferences, Rock Eagle’s versatile facilities and tranquil environment cater to a wide array of needs.
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Center Map
The Ancient Enigma of the Rock Eagle Mound
At the heart of this center lies the Rock Eagle Mound, an awe-inspiring stone effigy that captures the imagination of all who behold it. Shaped distinctively like a prone bird, this ancient monument stands approximately eight feet tall at its breast, constructed entirely from milky quartz rocks. Believed to have been built around 2,000 years ago by Native Americans, the Rock Eagle Mound is thought to have served significant religious or ceremonial purposes.
Archaeological investigations link the mound’s creation to the Middle Woodland Period (100-300 A.D.), a time of cultural and societal development in the region. Intriguingly, some scientists propose a connection between the builders of Rock Eagle and the Hopewell Culture, renowned mound builders who flourished in the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys from 200 B.C. to 500 A.D. This potential link adds another layer of intrigue to the Rock Eagle Mound’s historical significance.
Recognized for its profound cultural heritage, the U.S. Department of the Interior added the Rock Eagle Mound to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Notably, east of the Mississippi River, Rock Eagle is one of only two recognized stone effigy mounds, with the other being Rock Hawk, also located in Putnam County near Lake Oconee, further emphasizing the unique archaeological importance of this area.
A Vision Takes Flight: The History of Rock Eagle 4-H Center
The story of Rock Eagle 4-H Center began in the 1940s when the Georgia 4-H Program operated two facilities: Wahsega 4-H Center, established in the 1930s, and Tybee Island 4-H Center, initiated in 1947. During this period of growth for Georgia 4-H, State 4-H Leader Bill Sutton envisioned a transformative expansion – a single 4-H center capable of hosting 1,000 campers simultaneously. This ambitious dream began to materialize with the chartering of the Georgia 4-H Foundation on November 17, 1948, by Mr. Sutton and other dedicated 4-H supporters. The Foundation’s primary mission was to raise and manage funds for the construction of this grand center, which would become Rock Eagle.
The ideal location for this expansive center was identified in 1950, thanks to John A. (Red) Smith, the County Extension Agent in Putnam County. Mr. Smith suggested the area near the Rock Eagle Effigy Mound. With the backing of the Foundation Board of Directors, Mr. Sutton successfully secured matching state funds from Governor Herman Talmadge. Governor Talmadge pledged to match every private dollar raised by the 4-H Foundation with a state dollar and further committed skilled prison labor for the construction. Groundbreaking activities took place in June 1952, marking the official commencement of the Rock Eagle 4-H Center project.
Prison laborers were housed on-site during construction in facilities that now serve as the Administration Office, housing the fiscal operations of the center and offices for the 4-H Summer Camping Program, Environmental Education, and Technology staff. Rock Eagle 4-H Center was officially dedicated on October 31, 1954, and opened for operation in 1955.
Since its opening, Rock Eagle 4-H Center has welcomed millions of visitors from across the nation and around the globe. At the dedication ceremony, National 4-H Club Leader E.W. Aiton eloquently stated, “The Center’s timbered hills will now grow a crop even greater than cotton or livestock which once covered the area. It will be used to develop the boys and girls who make the Nation’s leaders.” This vision continues to resonate as Rock Eagle 4-H Center remains a cornerstone of youth development and community engagement.
History Book
