Guardian Of Dragon Point

Dragon Point, as it is called, can be seen just north of the Eau Gallie Causeway (FL 518), at the entrance of the Banana River. This is where the Indian River and the Banana River meet, at the tip of Merritt Island, Florida. Until recently, the Indian River Lagoon was guarded by a very large and impressive Dragon, as she watched over, not only the river, but her eggs and hatching baby.

A legend is told of Dragon Point. It speaks of peaceful Indian tribes who inhabited Merritt Island and sailed the Intercostals Waterway. The stories vary, but basically tell of a witch doctor who conjured a dragon, or giant iguana, to protect his people from danger. When the dragon was sighted rising out of the mist where the rivers meet, it was the signal of good fortune. Thus, the name Dragon Point. It is still said that the dragon’s spirit protects those who live on the island.

This is the story of Annie, as she came to be called, nicknamed for the landowner’s wife, Aynn Christal, who had the sculpture built.

Annie became an icon in Brevard county, finding her way into the hearts of many from 1971 until her natural destruction in 2004. Driving over the Eau Gallie Causeway was never complete without a glimpse of the mystical dragon and she is missed by those of us who knew her.

Constructed by artist, Lewis VanDercar, of steel rods and sheets of metal, her scales and face of concrete, she stood thirty-five feet high, was sixty-five feet long and weighed twenty tons. The concrete was brought to her side in wheelbarrows because the trucks could not pass down the narrow path leading to her massive girth.

VanDercar formed her scales by hand with a special trowel. Propane tanks were planted near her nostrils so that she could actually breathe fire. On Independence Day, smoke would come out of the dragon’s nose and fire out of its mouth.

Annie once had working electricity to light tables, chairs, and stairs that led up to the nostrils. Looking out through them, visitors could watch the sun rise and set over the lagoon.

In 1981, Annie and the family home was purchased by Warren McFadden. He hired VanDercar to return for renovations of Annie and to add a long curved tail and four dragon hatchlings, christened Joy, Sunshine, Charity, and Freedom. He also had VanDercar construct caveman-type furniture for the inside of the dragon’s belly to make a play room for his son. On occasion, birthday parties were held there.

In the end, VanDercar periodically returned to make repairs until his death in 1988. Since then, time and the elements have taken their toll on this proud creature. During a storm on August 5, 2002, she was badly damaged by the rain. In 2004, she collapsed during a Hurricane Frances and fell sadly into the waters of the lagoon. Much of Annie now lies on the coquina rock that helped preserve her from waves. Most of this magnificent sculpture is in the water. Today, only parts of her legs, lower torso and hatchlings are visible.

Mr. McFadden did not know Annie was gone until a television reporter knocked on his door and told him. McFadden mostly blames vandals for the dragon's demise. Its position on the point made it susceptible to people wielding sledgehammers and spray cans. "We're in a new world today. I don't know what kick they get out of it," McFadden said. "It's very sad, the world we live in." McFadden said he bought Dragon Point because it is one of the few places in the world like it. McFadden moved to Brevard from Fort Lauderdale. "You could never replace that. VanDercar is dead,"

McFadden said.

Although no one is certain exactly when, during the storm, Annie succumbed, resident, Ruth Blow said that she was glad she did not see her fall. It would have been far too sad a sight.

Each year there is a 5K run over the Eau Gallie causeway called "The Eye of the Dragon" in honor of our Annie.

The week following her collapse, Diane Carr wrote a children's book about her called "River Dragon".

There is no plan to rebuild our Annie. It would not be the same with the death of VanDercar. She is but a memory now carried on the minds and hearts of those who loved and cherished her.

The private property, of which she once so faithfully guarded, is now for sale. The original home is still there at 11680 Dragon Point Drive. Though in great need of repair, it still holds its dignity of beauty and personal design. Having been built in 1961, standing on 0.55 acres with 5,707 square feet, the home boasts of four floors and basement with four bathrooms and two half baths.

Outside its walls is a once beautiful pool and garden overlooking the rivers on three sides. For those of you interested in this amazing piece of history, the selling price is $675,000 and includes the entire southern tip of the island.

I still find myself looking in her direction whenever I cross the causeway, though I know she will not be in view.

Annie is no longer visible to the human eye.

However, I am sure she is still there, guarding her island, lagoon, hatchlings, and whomever next resides in the family home.

As for the rest of us, Annie lives forever, seen with our mind's eye, each time we travel the causeway past her home on Dragon Point.