As further 'proof' of this assumption, it is documented that an ancient 'Indian' village was once located in the general area of Sculps Hill. After all, the story sounded good, and was not an unreasonable assumption to make based on the fact that atrocities had occurred throughout the county to include the taking of settlers' scalps by Native Americans (although the Native Americans had their fair share of atrocities brought against them by others). In fact, in a 1906 publication titled 'Old Schuylkill Tales' by Ella Zerbey Elliot, a passage reads ' Sculps, or Scalps Hill, was so called owing to the number of scalps taken'.Įlla may have documented this story in good faith based on what she had been told by area residents.

Legend has it that the hill, situated southeast of Orwigsburg, received its name as a result of numerous Native American ('Indian') atrocities against the local settlers which had allegedly occurred here.

If you were to ask many area residents, they might tell you that 'Sculps Hill' is actually derived from an earlier, more gruesome name of 'Scalps Hill'. While Muhammad Ali helped 'make a name' for this area, a question arises about how did 'Sculps Hill' originally receive its name. 'Sculps Hill' is famous as being the site of Muhammad Ali's training camp located at 58 Sculps Hill Road, Deer Lake, Pennsylvania. While atrocities between Native Americans ('Indians') and early settlers have been factually documented with both parties having committed their share of regrettable acts, a couple of Schuylkill County folktales unfairly portrayed the Native Americans in at least one aspect.įOLKTALE #1 - THE ORIGIN OF 'SCULPS HILL':

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