Wildcat Branch Petroglyphs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wildcat Branch Petroglyphs
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| Nearest city | Fort Gay, West Virginia |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002603 |
| Added to NRHP | July 22, 1979 |
The Wildcat Branch Petroglyphs are ancient rock carvings found near Fort Gay, West Virginia. These special carvings were made by people long ago. They are a cool example of petroglyphs, which are pictures or symbols carved into rock. These carvings are so important that they were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This list helps protect important historical places in the United States.
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What Are Petroglyphs?
Petroglyphs are a type of rock art. They are made by removing part of a rock's surface. People usually did this by carving, picking, or rubbing away the rock. These carvings are different from pictographs, which are painted onto rocks. Petroglyphs are found all over the world. They give us clues about how ancient people lived. They can show us their beliefs, stories, or daily life.
Discovering the Wildcat Branch Carvings
The Wildcat Branch Petroglyphs are carved on a large rock. This rock is in the backyard of a private home. It is also very close to a small creek. This location suggests that the creek might have been important to the people who made the carvings. The carvings were officially recognized in 1979. This means they are now protected as a historical site.
What Do the Carvings Show?
There are five main carvings at Wildcat Branch. Four of these carvings look like birds. The fifth carving seems to show a beaver. It's interesting to think about why these animals were chosen. Animals often had special meanings to ancient cultures. They might have been important for hunting or had spiritual significance.
When Were They Made?
Experts believe these petroglyphs were likely made during the Late Woodland period. This time period in North American history lasted from about 500 AD to 1000 AD. During the Woodland period, people in this area were often hunter-gatherers. They also started to grow some crops. They lived in settled villages and made pottery. Finding petroglyphs from this time helps us understand the art and culture of these early people.
