It happened about 400 million years ago, in East Windham.

A rock formation called a schist was created during the formation of the earth’s “crust.” It appears to be carved steps up the side of a large rock or boulder. This is likely the oldest part of the town and for generations has been the stuff of myths, stories and curiosity. A person can walk up these steps, as they resemble stairs.

Locally this site is called the Indian Steps, but to the experts, it’s called the Windham Formation. Located near the corner of Falmouth and Albion Roads, it cannot be seen from the road but is, as it’s always been, on private property. Nearly every person who has lived here has heard the stories about the site and questioned the local historical society where there is an extensive file on the site.

The myth of local Native Americans camping here has been perpetuated, generation by generation, and reference in a locally written book of an Indian princess buried here, enhanced the fable, but none of that is true.

There are graves in the area, and they were first referenced in an 1846 deed from Andrew Leighton who owned the land, to Henry Senter who purchased it. The careful legal measurements and boundaries are given, with the caveat “reserving 3 sq. rods now occupied as graves” These are no doubt graves of the Leighton family and at that time, were marked by fieldstones that have long since disappeared. There’s no way of proving who was buried here, or the exact location.

The first mention of the area is in 1787, when at a town meeting, the making of a road (now known as Albion) was discussed. This area is located in the second division of 100-acre lots in Windham. Early owners of this property were James Hawkes, James Stuart, Moses Hardy, Thomas Leighton, Andrew Leighton, Henry Senter, Obadiah Whitney and many others.

Whatever it’s called, Indian Steps or Windham Formation, this site and its history show that fact is more interesting than fable.

The Windham Formation in East Windham show “steps” created 400 million years ago.