Legend Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Legend Rock Petroglyph Site
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| Location | Hot Springs County, Wyoming |
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| Nearest city | Thermopolis, Wyoming |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001932 |
| Added to NRHP | July 5, 1973 |
Legend Rock Petroglyph Site is a very special place in Hot Springs County, Wyoming. It is about 20 miles northwest of Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis, Wyoming. This site is famous for its amazing rock carvings, called petroglyphs.
Hundreds of these ancient pictures are spread across the rock face. Many of them are still very clear today. They show some of the oldest and best examples of Dinwoody rock art in the world. People are still studying who made these carvings and why.
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What Are Petroglyphs?
Petroglyphs are images carved into rock. Ancient people made them by removing part of the rock surface. They often used a sharp stone to peck, cut, or rub away the outer layer. These carvings can show many things. They might show animals, people, or mysterious symbols. They are like messages from the past.
Ancient Art at Legend Rock
Legend Rock has nearly 300 individual petroglyphs. Many of these carvings are from the Dinwoody tradition. This style of rock art is very old. It dates back thousands of years. The images at Legend Rock are very detailed. They give us clues about the lives of ancient people.
Some of the carvings show human-like figures. Others show animals like deer or bighorn sheep. There are also many abstract shapes and patterns. These might have had special meanings. They could have been part of stories or ceremonies.
Who Made These Carvings?
The exact age and creators of the Legend Rock petroglyphs are still a mystery. Experts believe some carvings are thousands of years old. They might be from as far back as 10,000 years ago. Other carvings are more recent. Different groups of Native Americans lived in this area over time. It is possible that many different groups added to the rock art.
The Dinwoody style is unique. It is found mostly in Wyoming and nearby states. It is known for its detailed figures and complex designs. Studying these carvings helps us learn about ancient cultures.
Protecting This Special Place
Legend Rock is a very important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1973. This means it is recognized as a place worth protecting. The state of Wyoming now preserves Legend Rock. They work to keep the petroglyphs safe. This helps future generations see and learn from this ancient art.
When you visit, it is important to be respectful. Do not touch the carvings. This helps keep them safe from damage. Legend Rock is like an open-air museum. It connects us to the people who lived here long ago.
