Indianola Petrified Man

The Indianola Petrified Man was an alleged petrified man that was claimed to have been washed up in the vicinity of Indianola, Texas during the Indianola Hurricane of mid-September 1875, an event that left the town virtually obliterated and left some 300 dead. The man was reported to be measured at 7 ft. (2.13 m.) in length, described as having a "countenance of an Egyptian cast" and that the body had gold ornaments embedded in it, one of which was claimed to feature "three indistinct representations of pyramids." No further information has been found regarding the claims at this time.

Press Coverage

• "WHAT THE WAVES WASHED UP.", Cairo Bulletin (Cairo, IL): 2, 10 Oct. 1875, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/70858754 
  

  A petrified man, with golden ornaments imbedded in his form, was found about half way between Indianola and the old town. It measured seven feet in length, the countenance being of an Egyptian cast, and three indistinct representations of pyramids shone on the face of one of the golden ornaments.

• "DURING the late storm on the coast of Texas the waves washed up many strange things.", Public Ledger (Memphis, TN): 2, 20 Oct. 1875, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/587043477/ 
  

  Among others a petrified man seven feet long was found about half way between Old Town and Indianola. The countenance is of an Egyptian cast, and three indistinct representations of pyramids shone on the face of one of the golden ornaments found on the body. Colonel L. J. Dupre, of the Austin Statesman, will write the man up for Appleton's Journal.