Introduction
If you look out across Lake Champlain from Burlington, Vermont, you might spot a small rock formation poking just a few feet above the water. This tiny island may not seem very important at first glance, but it holds deep meaning in Abenaki culture and local history. The rock, known as Rock Dunder, has stories that connect it to ancient creation myths and Revolutionary War history.
What and Where Is Rock Dunder?
Rock Dunder is a small rock island in Lake Champlain, about 2.8 miles southwest of the Burlington ferry dock. It sits between Juniper Island and Shelburne Point. The rock rises only a few feet above the lake's surface, about 95.5 feet above sea level. When the water level is low, the island appears slightly larger.
Utica slate forms Rock Dunder geologically. This type of rock once formed a large belt that filled parts of Lake Champlain, extending northward from the Hudson River. Large boulders of Winooski limestone and Laurentian gneiss surround the base of the rock.
The Abenaki Legend of Odzihozo
In Abenaki mythology, Rock Dunder is known by a different name: “Odzihozo,” which means “He Who Created Himself” or “He Who Shaped Himself.” The Abenaki people have a fascinating creation story about this rock and how it came to be.
The Creation Story
According to Abenaki legend, the Owner (a higher deity), after nearly finishing the world, had leftover earth on their hands. The Owner sprinkled this earth down, and came Odzihozo, a being who could form himself.
At first, Odzihozo had no legs and had to drag himself across the land using his long arms. As he moved around, he shaped the landscape of the region:
- He pushed to his right and created the Green Mountains
- He pushed to his left and formed the Adirondack Mountains
- His fingers dug deep into the earth as he dragged himself, creating ten rivers, including the Missisquoi, Lamoille, and Otter Creek
After Odzihozo stood up, he left a deep hole in the earth. When it rained, this hole filled with water, creating Lake Champlain, which the Abenaki call “Bitawbagok” (The Waters Between).
Becoming Rock Dunder
After creating Lake Champlain, Odzihozo was proud of what he had made. He loved the lake so much that he transformed himself into a rock so he could forever admire his creation. This rock became what we now call Rock Dunder.
State archaeologist Jess Robinson explains: “The last thing Oodzee-hozo created was Lake Champlain. He then transformed himself into Rock Dunder, also known as Oodzee-hozo, so he could admire his creation.”
Sacred Traditions
For hundreds of years, the Abenaki people have treated Rock Dunder as a sacred site. When traveling across Lake Champlain, they would stop to offer tobacco to Odzihozo. They believed that if Odzihozo could smoke, he would keep the winds calm, making for safe travels across the lake.
The Abenaki still refer to the formation as “the Guardian's Rock” and continue the tradition of offering tobacco for luck when crossing the lake.
How Rock Dunder Got Its English Name
The name “Rock Dunder” comes from a different story, connected to the American Revolutionary War. There are two dominant theories about how the rock got its English name:
- The Battle Story: During the Battle of Plattsburgh in the Revolutionary War, American patriots put a lantern on the rock during foggy conditions to trick the British. A British ship mistook the rock for an enemy vessel and fired on it repeatedly. When the British officer realized his mistake, he supposedly shouted, “It's a rock, by Dunder!”–giving the formation its name.
- The Navigation Nuisance: Some researchers think the name might come from an old slang meaning of the word “dunder,” which meant “stupid thing.” Since the rock sits in a shipping lane, sailors might have called it a “dunder” because it was annoying to navigate around.
While these stories are commonly told, historians can't confirm which one is true.
Rock Dunder Today
Today, Vermont's state register recognizes Rock Dunder as a historic place because of its cultural importance. It serves as a reminder of Abenaki heritage in the Lake Champlain region.
The shores of Burlington and boat trips on Lake Champlain offer views of the rock. The Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise ship includes Rock Dunder on its tour route.
Various organizations, including the Vermont Historical Society, share the story of Odzihozo and Rock Dunder to help preserve Abenaki culture and traditions. Contemporary Abenaki storytellers continue to share the creation story in both English and the Abenaki language, ensuring this important cultural story lives on for future generations.
Visiting Rock Dunder
If you want to see Rock Dunder for yourself, you have several options:
- From shore: You can spot Rock Dunder from the Burlington waterfront, though it will appear small on the horizon.
- Boat tours: The Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise includes Rock Dunder in its tour.
- Private boats: Those with their boats can navigate to the rock, which is about 2.8 miles southwest of the Burlington ferry dock.
When visiting, remember that the Abenaki people consider this site deeply culturally significant and that you should approach it respectfully.
Key Takeaways
- Rock Dunder is a small rock island in Lake Champlain with great cultural significance.
- In Abenaki mythology, people know the rock as Odzihozo, a creator being who shaped Vermont's landscape and then transformed himself into the rock.
- Abenaki people traditionally offered tobacco to Odzihozo for safe passage across the lake.
- The English name “Rock Dunder” likely comes from a Revolutionary War incident or from being a navigation nuisance.
- Today, people recognize the rock as a historic place, and it serves as a visible reminder of Abenaki heritage.
- Nunn, Larry C. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 124 Pages – 07/10/2025 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
- Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
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- 400 Pages – 07/04/2023 (Publication Date) – Fodor's Travel (Publisher)
- Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
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- Green, Stewart M. (Author)
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- 288 Pages – 05/21/2019 (Publication Date) – Moon Travel (Publisher)
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- Dune, Jasper F. (Author)
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- Rogers, Barbara (Author)
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- 240 Pages – 08/22/2019 (Publication Date) – Globe Pequot Publishing (Publisher)
Sources
- Vermont Public: “A Small Rock In Lake Champlain Has Deep Roots In Abenaki Mythology” (2014)
- Wikipedia: “Rock Dunder”
- Hello Burlington VT: “The Creation of Lake Champlain: An Abenaki Heritage Story” (2023)
- Vermont Historical Society: “Freedom & Unity: Abenaki Traditions”
- My Champlain Valley: “Rock Dunder: An Abenaki Legend on Lake Champlain” (2017)
- Lake Champlain Ecosystem Assessment: “Cultural Sites Of Importance To Abenakis” (2010)
- UVM Burlington Geographic
- Spirit of Ethan Allen FAQ
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