Shenandoah County

A solitary grave, the location of which is plainly marked.

About the year 1700, the Senedo tribe of the North fought a battle on the Steenbergen land, (now Meems Bottom) against the tribe of Catawbas of the South, over the rights to the hunting grounds, as the Shenandoah Valley and hills was considered the best hunting grounds for miles.

A Catawba maid fled with a Senedo youth up Crooked Run, while her Catawba lover followed in hot pursuit. At the head of Crooked Run near Deer Head, he overtook them and a deadly combat ensued. This battle lasted all day; both lovers were slain, and the maid kept a fire burning over their graves for several days and nights. Finally she too died from exposure and hunger, and was buried in the grave with her two lovers.

The location of the grave is plainly marked and may be seen to this day (1937).

Source: Virginia W.P.A. Historical Inventory Project, 1937

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