I like to start arguments. Sometimes, I like to start arguments about the most trivial of things. Luckily, this post is not about something trivial, even though it is about a rock. Or perhaps its about more than just a rock. It could be about rocks that move. It could be about an ice age or it could be about a lost civilization, and that would be a step-up from trivial. It may even be enough to spur an argument or two.

In the heart of Truckee California, high in the Sierra’s, looming like a Druid shrine, is the Rocking Stone Tower. Visible from Interstate 80, its location is hardly a mystery. However, the origin of this curiosity is. It consists of a 17-ton boulder placed directly at the center of a much larger flat rock which protrudes about 20 feet into the air. A simple push with a finger causes the 17-ton boulder to rock upon the flat surface. At least it used to. The boulder has recently been cemented in place for reasons of safety.

This is one of 25 sites like it in the world. There are two schools of thought here. A geologist might tell you it is a natural glacier deposit from the last ice age. An archeologist or sociologist might tell you it is man-made (an altar possibly) from an ancient civilization. Herein lies our argument. Even the plaque on the stone itself suggests this debate.

There are serious concerns no matter which side you pick. Considering the evidence of glacier activity, it is difficult to account for a completely flat surface atop a large outcropping, like the top of an apple cut off, without slant or deviation whatsoever. Furthermore, the odds are against a 17-ton boulder being deposited directly at its center with just the right shape and set in such a way it would rock for centuries at the touch of a finger. Likewise, how would human beings 10,000 years ago or more, with crude tools if any at all, be able to ascend the large rock and chip away a mathematically flat surface? Even if that was doable, how would they have hoisted a 17-ton boulder to its top?

Before we delve into such words as magic or aliens or some such supernatural power, let us touch upon some past studies of the Rocking Stone Tower. John Muir considered the rocking stone to be a “glacial wonder,” and believed there were similar geological formations. Other sources have labeled it “a glacial erratic,” which are ice-transported boulders that have been dumped on glacially polished surfaces in high areas. Hmmm.

As far as the man-made concept, most historians agree any civilization involved with creating the rocking stone were most likely ancient ancestors of the Washoe Tribe. It has been established that the Washoe people often used the site to store and dry food. The vibration of the boulder on top would scare rodents, birds and smaller pests, while larger animals simply couldn’t climb the vertical face of the larger rock. It is believed it also served as an altar to worship the Spirit God. However, archeologist Susan Lindstrom argues, “This story may well be a local non-Washoe legend. I have never found any ethnographic evidence to support it.”  Hmmm.

Now, perhaps we can dip our toe into the lukewarm realms of mythology.  A 1909 publication, entitled, “Century Path; a magazine devoted to the brotherhood of humanity,” discusses the rocking stone resembling those of Europe, suggesting they may have been erected by giants. Later the article states; “we have the giant fossil footprints of Carson, Nevada and the writer surmises that the stone was erected by the same giants.” Hmmm.

There. You now have glaciers, Native-Americans and giants to argue about. Nothing trivial about any of that. However, I will now state a few non-arguable facts; in the early 1890’s Charles McGlashan (who just happens to be my favorite author on the Donner Party) purchased the land around the Rocking Stone. He built a mansion, called The Crystal Palace, which included a skyway to the rocking stone. He built a tower atop the stone, which housed a museum around the rocking stone. The museum held an extensive butterfly collection, as well as artifacts from the Donner Party.

McGlashan died in 1934 and only a few years later, the mansion burnt to the ground. Oddly, the museum atop the rock did not burn, but its contents were removed. By 1959 the old wooden deteriorating tower was replaced by the metal gazebo that surrounds it today. The following year it was used as an overnight stop for the Olympic Torch Relay, enroute to Squaw Valley.

The top of the rock where the rocking stone sits is accessible by metal stairs. Be aware that during the summer months the pigeons have no respect for the stone, nor its visitors. The site where The Crystal Palace stood is now occupied by the Veterans Hall building.

From downtown Truckee take Spring Street up the hill to High Street. It will be off to the left. You can’t miss it. As you stand there arguing with yourself about the origin of this oddity of history, be certain to take in the amazing view of Truckee below with the valleys and mountains beyond.