Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey

Dorchester Street (Squaw Rock)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
"Squaw Rock", the subject of frequent archaeological investigation, is the name given to the rock formation at the northeast end of Squantum in the 17.1 acre Squaw Rock Park. The legend states that an Indian Squaw threw herself to death at this site, but that has never been confirmed. Squaw Rock has tremendous geological significance for its prehistoric shell midden. There is also a 200 million year old ancient glacial deposit known around the world as the Squantum Tillite. On the south side of the rock are some excellent examples of varves which show the seasonal deposits of sediments, fine in winter and coarse in summer.

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