Altamaha-ha

Altamaha-ha
GroupingRiver monster
Similar entitiesLoch Ness Monster, Ogopogo, Champ
Other name(s)Altie
CountryUnited States
RegionGeorgia
DetailsAquatic

In Georgia folklore, the Altamaha-ha (or Altie) is a legendary creature, alleged to inhabit the myriad small streams and abandoned rice fields near the mouth of the Altamaha River (after which it is named) in southeastern Georgia.[1] Sightings are particularly reported around Darien and elsewhere in McIntosh County.[2]

According to The Brunswick News, the legend has its roots in Muscogee tradition.[3] An alligator gar has been proposed as being a possible identity for recent sightings attributed to the creature.[4]

In 2018, decomposing remains were found on a beach in the Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, causing speculation that it may be the body of an Altamaha-ha.[5][6] Performance artist Zardulu later claimed responsibility for the remains, which were created out of a stuffed shark and papier-mâché.[7]

Paleoartist, Rick Spears, created a sculpture of Altamaha-ha,[8] which is on display at the Darien-McIntosh County Visitor Center in Darien, Georgia.[9]

  1. ^ Vivlamore, Barbara (August 29, 2006). "CLOSER LOOK AT ... State's 'Altie' tale". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. 4E.
  2. ^ Crenshaw, Holly (February 26, 2001). "eMETRO". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. pp. 2B.
  3. ^ Ferguson, Anna (May 13, 2009). "McIntosh showcases a new mascot". The Brunswick News. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  4. ^ Nead, Arthur (July 16, 2014). "Is the "Altie" a monster or fish?". Tulane News. Tulane University. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  5. ^ Gibbens, Sarah (March 21, 2018). "Strange Sea Creature Washes Ashore, Stumps Scientists". National Geographic. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  6. ^ Anderson, Bethany (March 29, 2018). "The legendary Altamaha monster wasn't found off the Georgia coast; here's why it's a hoax". firstcoastnews.com. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  7. ^ "Georgia Coast Altamaha-Ha Monster Discovery a Hoax". Valdosta Today. September 26, 2018. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
  8. ^ "Altie History Part 1: An Interview with Rick Spears". MonsterTalk. September 3, 2023. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
  9. ^ "Our Sea Monster". discoverdarien.com – Discover Darien, Small Town Georgia. June 20, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2023.