Just when you think Sweetums and I have run out of weird things to discover on our travels, you get surprised with these photos of a Monkey Massacre Memorial.
That’s not mistyped – there is such a thing and it is located just north of Atlanta.
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The “memorial” is a grouping of concrete monkey sculptures at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve in Johns Mill, Georgia, that reportedly commemorate the deaths of escaped circus monkeys at the turn of the 20th century.
The catch is that the monkey massacre is only legend. But it was a good enough reason for a local artist to create the dozen monkey sculptures set in the middle of the woods.
We were underwhelmed with the size of the memorial – the monkeys are only about 2 feet tall – but it was still a fun side trip. Besides, who doesn’t want to be able to say they’ve visited a monkey massacre memorial? (Oh, that was just us?)
If you decide to go, the preserve is located at 9770 Autrey Mill Road in Johns Creek. The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk. Call 678-366-3511for information.
Here’s the legend, according to Atlas Obscura:
In the early 20th century, a circus train crashed near Duluth, Georgia. The monkeys, uninjured, were able to escape their train car and run from the wreckage. The exotic creatures were unfamiliar to local farmers, who opened fire at the sight of them, killing every one.
The artist’s creations have a message, Atlas Obscura said: “Supposedly, the unknown sculptor wanted his creations to send a message that not understanding something is not a reason to want to destroy it.”
KellyKazek.com 