Independence Slab facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Independence Slab
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The Independence Slab is embedded in the rear exterior wall of the church
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | State Route 21, Independence, Ohio |
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| NRHP reference No. | 77001053 |
The Independence Slab is a special rock with ancient carvings called petroglyphs. These carvings were made long ago on a type of rock called Berea sandstone. The slab was found in Independence, Ohio, a city in Cuyahoga County. It's a very unusual discovery because petroglyphs are rare in Northeast Ohio. What makes it even more unique is how it was found and saved.
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What is the Independence Slab?
The Independence Slab is a large piece of rock with ancient pictures carved into it. These pictures are called petroglyphs. They were made by people who lived in the area a very long time ago. Scientists believe these carvings are from the Whittlesey period, which was between 1000 and 1650 AD.
How Was It Found?
The slab was discovered in the mid-1800s. Workers were digging for building materials in a quarry near Independence, Ohio. They were getting stone to build a nearby church. As they dug, they uncovered the hidden rock.
An Unusual Discovery
When the quarry workers first found the slab, they didn't realize what it was. They might have accidentally damaged some of the carvings. Luckily, they soon understood they had found something important. A part of the slab, measuring about 4 by 7 feet (1.2 by 2.1 meters), was carefully cut out.
What Do the Carvings Show?
The carvings on the Independence Slab show different images. Experts believe they show animal footprints. Some of the clearest images look like the footprints of an elk. There is also a carving that looks like a crayfish. These images give us clues about the animals that lived in the area long ago.
Where Can You See It Today?
The piece of the Independence Slab that was saved was placed in the back wall of the Independence Presbyterian Church. This happened around 1854. It has been there ever since. The church is located near the Independence Public Square on Brecksville Road.
In the 1970s, the Independence Presbyterian Church was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it was recognized as an important historical site. The documents for this nomination mentioned the special petroglyphs on the church wall. So, the Independence Slab is still a part of history that you can see today.
