Trail of the Whispering Giants and Chief Little Owl

The coastal towns of Bethany Beach, Delaware, and Ocean City, Maryland, are well known for their serene beaches, quaint communities, and fascinating histories. The Whispering Giant in Ocean City and the Chief Little Owl totem pole in Bethany Beach, however, are two distinctive monuments that provide a deeper link to the area's rich cultural past among the scenic shorelines and bustling boardwalks. Despite their differences, both monuments are striking representations of Native American ancestry that shed light on the Eastern Shore's past.

Whispering Giant of Ocean City: An Ode to the Assateague Indian

Part of a nationwide series of sculptures by artist Peter Toth, the majestic "Whispering Giant" is located in the center of Ocean City's Inlet Park. Standing more than twenty feet tall, this unique statue honors the Assateague Indian tribe, who were the first people to live in the coastal region. The Ocean City statue is one of over seventy carvings, all around North America, that are a part of Toth's "Trail of the Whispering Giants," and are all devoted to recognizing the history and culture of Native American tribes.

The Assateague Indian tribe coexisted peacefully with the land long before European settlers came. They are well-known for their relationship to the island's wild horses. With finely detailed carvings etched into the wood that highlight the tribe's fortitude, resiliency, and wisdom, The Whispering Giant brilliantly conveys this strong bond with the natural world. Like his other carvings, Toth's work on this statue combines a historical narrative with a visual tribute. Reflecting on the cultural significance of the Assateague people, whose influence is still felt along the Maryland shore, The Giant stands as a subdued yet powerful memorial. In spite of the vibrant energy that surrounds Ocean City's beaches and boardwalks, the Whispering Giant provides a moment of pause, enabling visitors to engage profoundly with the history of the area.

The Nanticoke Tribe and Chief Little Owl  - Bethany Beach

The totem pole of Chief Little Owl is another remarkable example of Native American heritage located in Bethany Beach, Delaware, just along the shore. This statue is from the same "Whispering Giants" series that Peter Toth sculpted in 1976. But it has a special meaning of its own, honoring Chief Little Owl and the Nanticoke Tribe, who formerly lived in Delaware. The Nanticoke people played a significant role in Delaware's early history, and one of the tribe's most well-known members, Chief Little Owl, stands for wisdom, leadership, and the deep connections that exist between the tribe and the land. The totem pole, located in the heart of Bethany Beach at the corner of Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue, has become an iconic symbol for the town, standing proudly as a reminder of the area’s Native American roots. Toth's creative vision effectively represents the spirit of Native American culture. With its intricate carvings and striking presence, the totem pole has become a beloved landmark in the town, offering both locals and visitors a glimpse into the region’s Indigenous history.

Connecting Past and Present: Cultural Significance in Coastal Towns

Despite being well-liked vacation spots, Ocean City and Bethany Beach have a stronger bond with history through these monuments. More than just pieces of art, the Whispering Giant and Chief Little Owl's totem pole stand as testaments to the continuing influence of the Native American tribes that formerly called these places home. In addition to being significant cultural icons, these statues serve as a constant reminder to locals and tourists alike of the value of protecting and honoring the Assateague and Nanticoke people's heritage. Standing towering against the Atlantic Ocean, both monuments solemnly recount the tales of the people who once called these coasts home for millennia prior to modern development.

Preservation

The monuments in both places have endured years of weathering, and their continued existence has depended heavily on preservation efforts. The Chief Little Owl totem pole in Bethany Beach received restoration in 2019 to fix damage sustained over years of exposure to coastal weather. Similarly, Ocean City’s Whispering Giant has seen restoration efforts to ensure it remains a lasting tribute to the Assateague Indian tribe. The importance that these towns place on their Native American ancestry and cultural sites are demonstrated by these preservation initiatives. Ocean City and Bethany Beach preserve these monuments as a way to pay tribute to the past and teach the next generation about the history of the area and the Native Americans who shaped it.

Visit and Reflect

As you explore these communities, take a moment to stand before these giants and feel the whisper of history. Beyond just being well-known coastal monuments, Ocean City's Whispering Giant and Bethany Beach's Chief Little Owl totem pole serve as reminders of the Native American tribes that formerly called these beaches home. These statues, which memorialize the Assateague and Nanticoke people and preserve their tradition for future generations, are the product of Peter Toth's artistic talent. A true reflection on the rich cultural history that continues to shape the Eastern Shore.