History & local legend
Indian Spring in Ross Township’s Evergreen Community Park has a legend about two lovers rescued by its water. Historian John Schalcosky recounted the story in 2010: a young woman fled a marriage her father had arranged with a chief she did not love. The man she loved followed, fought the chief and killed him, but suffered serious wounds.
The woman was meanwhile dying of thirst. The couple prayed together, and fresh water sprang from the ground. Both drank and survived.
The story helped make the spring a destination; Schalcosky remembered hearing of visitors coming from as far away as Long Island. In 2010, local Scouts cleared the paths, cleaned the collecting bowl and installed a bench.
Sources
- Adam Brandolph, Tribune-Review, October 16, 2010, account from Ross Township Historical Society member John Schalcosky and restoration details from Commissioner Lana Mazur
- Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide, a second version of the spring legend associated with the park pond
- Ross Township, official parks plan, Evergreen Park pond, wooded hillside and trails
