Red Rock (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Red Rock
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Rawlins, Wyoming |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002832 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 1978 |
Red Rock is a special rock formation in Wyoming that acted like a guestbook for early American travelers! Imagine a giant, smooth red rock where people passing by would carve their names and messages. It's a unique piece of history, showing us who traveled through this area long ago.
What is Red Rock?
Red Rock is found in the southwestern part of Wyoming. It's a tall, red sandstone rock that stands about 20 feet (6.1 m) high. That's like a two-story building! The rock is also quite wide, with a distance around it of about 120 feet (37 m).
The wind has smoothed the rock over many years. This made it a perfect surface for people to leave their marks. It's a natural monument, shaped by nature and then marked by humans.
Messages from the Past
For many years, Red Rock was a popular stop for travelers. People journeying on the Overland Trail would pause here. They would carve their names, dates, and sometimes short messages into the soft sandstone. It was a way to say, "I was here!"
Some of these signatures date back to at least the 1850s. This was a time when many pioneers and settlers were moving west across America. The rock became a living record of their journeys.
Weathered Signatures
Not all the messages have lasted perfectly. The signatures on the side of the rock facing the wind have slowly faded away. The wind and weather have worn them down to faint traces. But on other sides, you can still see the carvings clearly.
Today, Red Rock is on land that is privately owned. This means it's not open to the public without permission.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its unique history, Red Rock is very important. It tells us about the people who traveled through Wyoming long ago. It's a direct link to the past.
On November 21, 1978, Red Rock was officially recognized as a historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important buildings, sites, and objects across the United States. Being on this list helps protect special places like Red Rock for future generations.
