Chief Little Owl Totem Pole

Chief Little Owl stands tall as a welcoming figure at the entrance to Bethany Beach. This 24-foot statue is more than just a carving; it's a tribute to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe and a symbol of the town. The totem pole is named in honor of Charles C. “Little Owl” Clark, who served as chief of the Nanticokes from 1933 until his death in 1971. The original statue was created in 1976 by Peter Wolf Toth, a sculptor who donated similar totem poles to every state in the U.S. as part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' project. Toth, born in Hungary, sought to honor Native Americans through his art. The first pole succumbed to termite damage and toppled in a windstorm in 1992. A second pole, carved by Dennis Beach, also suffered from rot and was removed in 2000. Toth returned in 2002 to carve the current red cedar pole, ensuring a longer lifespan. During the 2022 dedication, Charles “Little Owl” Clark IV, a descendant, blessed the pole with traditional Nanticoke customs. While often called a totem pole, Toth distinguished his work as art depicting Indians rather than copies of Indian art. The statue features a carving of Chief Little Owl and an eagle. The site has become a landmark and is a reminder of the Nanticoke's history in the region.