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Georgia Petroglyphs - Track Rock Gap |
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Friday, 15 February 2008 |
The North Georgia Mountains is the home of one of the oldest petroglyphs, stone markings, in the state. Track Rock Gap has stone carvings that may be up to 8000 years old.
Archaeologist that have examined these rocks suggest that early man in this region of the state left the markings upon these stones. Doctor Stephenson first reported these markings in 1834, but they were known to locals even earlier. Some portions of the stones have been removed over the years, but there remains large stones that still have these markings. Over the years other more recent markings can be seen as well.
The rocks are a soft steatite or soapstone. The figures and markings are symbols believed to relate to Indian beliefs. Some Cherokee Indians explain that they are an early form of graffiti left by hunting parties.
In the 1960s the U.S. Forest Service took over the petroglyph's
protection and installed iron grating to protect them. These grates
have performed this function well, but are a hindrance to actual
viewing. It is sad to say that it is hard to see why more could not be
done to provide more access to the actual viewing of the site. It
certainly deserves protection, but this should be done while providing
better viewing of these old carvings to the general public.
That being said, it is nice to know that there is at least this type of
access for those who would like to get a look at carvings made in our
state's early history. It is well worth a stop if you are in this area!
Some of the symbols on the rocks are shown below along with their meaning.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 15 February 2008 )
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