Altamaha-ha of the Georgia Coast

The Altamaha-ha, affectionately called “Altie,” is a sea creature reported in the waters of the Altamaha River and coastal Georgia. Native American legends predate European sightings that began in the 1830s. The creature has become a local icon.

Indigenous Knowledge

The Muscogee people have legends of a giant water snake inhabiting the Altamaha region. These traditions predate European arrival and may represent ancient awareness of unusual creatures in these waters.

The Description

Witnesses describe a creature 20 to 30 feet long with a body like a sturgeon but the head of a seal or snake. It has two front flippers and a tail. Its skin appears gray-green. It surfaces briefly before submerging.

Historical Sightings

Reports began appearing in newspapers in the 1830s. Fishermen, sailors, and residents along the coast have reported the creature. Sightings continue into the modern era.

The Investigation

Boy Scouts searching for Altie earned merit badges in the 1960s. Local businesses have promoted the creature as a tourist attraction. No specimen has been captured, but interest remains high.

The Theories

Some suggest Altie is a surviving prehistoric marine reptile. Others propose a misidentified sturgeon, which can grow quite large. Manatees occasionally enter the river and may account for some sightings.

Assessment

Altamaha-ha represents Georgia’s contribution to North American lake monster lore. The combination of native tradition and ongoing sightings suggests something unusual may inhabit these coastal waters.