Torrey Lake Petroglyph District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Torrey Lake Petroglyph District
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| Nearest city | Dubois, Wyoming |
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| Area | 1,620 acres (660 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000983 |
| Added to NRHP | October 4, 1993 |
Imagine finding ancient drawings carved into rocks! The Torrey Lake Petroglyph District is a special place in Fremont County, Wyoming. It stretches for about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) along Torrey Creek. This area is home to many amazing rock carvings. These carvings, called petroglyphs, were made by people long ago. This district is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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Torrey Lake Petroglyphs: Ancient Rock Art
The Torrey Lake Petroglyph District is a fascinating outdoor art gallery. It holds about 175 different petroglyphs. These are not just drawings; they are images carved right into the rock surfaces.
What are Petroglyphs?
Petroglyphs are a type of rock art. They are made by removing part of a rock's surface. This is usually done by carving, picking, or rubbing. People in ancient times used sharp tools to create these images. They often show animals, people, or mysterious symbols.
Exploring the District's Discoveries
Besides the many rock carvings, the district has other interesting finds. There are eleven "lithic scatters." These are places where ancient people left behind pieces of stone. These pieces might be broken tools or leftover bits from making tools.
The site also includes an old "sheep trap." This was a clever structure built long ago. It was used by ancient hunters to catch sheep for food. These traps show how people lived and hunted in the past.
The Unique Dinwoody Art Style
The petroglyphs at Torrey Lake have a special look. They are made in what is called the Interior Line Style, or Dinwoody style. This art style is found in other rock art sites across central Wyoming. It helps experts understand who made the carvings and when.
Uncovering Hidden Art
Over time, some of the petroglyphs became covered. Things like lichen, which is a type of plant-like growth, grew over them. Recent studies have carefully uncovered many of these hidden carvings. This means even more ancient art can now be seen and studied!
Why is This Place Important?
The Torrey Lake Petroglyph District is very important for understanding history. It helps us learn about the ancient people who lived in Wyoming. The site was officially recognized on October 4, 1993. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes places that are important to the history of the United States.
