The Blue Juniata

A song about the local Juniata River was one of the most popular songs in the era of the Civil War. It was sung by both Yankees and Rebels.


"The Blue Juniata" was composed by Marion Dix Sullivan, arranged by Edward L. White and published in 1844. The last verse gives the song a sympathetic leaning toward the plight of Native Americans at a time when they were being pushed across the continent.

The composition was also featured in Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and is still performed today. Residents of Decatur Township should enjoy the Alfarata reference.


Lyrics by Mrs. Marion Dix Sullivan

Wild roved an Indian maid
Bright Alfarata
Where flow the waters
Of the blue Juniata

Strong and true my arrows are
In my painted quiver
Swift goes my light canoe
A down the rapid river

Bold is my warrior good
The love of bright Alfarata
Proud wave his sunny plumes
Along the Juniata

Soft and low he speaks to me
And then his warcry sounding
Rings his voice in thunder loud
From height to height resounding

So sang the Indian maid
Bright Alfarata
Where sweep the waters
Of the blue Juniata

Fleeting years have borne away
The voice of Alfarata
Still flow the waters
Of the blue Juniata