Share this @internewscast.com

A series of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, made by Native Americans more than 1,000 years ago were found vandalized in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in northern Georgia.

Multiple boulders in Track Rock Gap were found with damage, including five with large scratches and carvings, and two that were painted.

The U.S. Forest Service shared the photos of the destruction on Facebook, writing, ‘We regret to report the vandalism of a protected historic site on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.’

The Tribal Heritage Preservation Office spoke on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, ‘Whether through ignorance or malice – the result is irreparable damage to a unique site that connects us directly to the people of the past.’

Multiple boulders in Track Rock Gap were found with damage, including five with large scratches and carvings, and two that were painted

Multiple boulders in Track Rock Gap were found with damage, including five with large scratches and carvings, and two that were painted

Multiple boulders in Track Rock Gap were found with damage, including five with large scratches and carvings, and two that were painted

There were varying degrees of damage across the rock carvings, including one with what appears to be the initials of a couple

There were varying degrees of damage across the rock carvings, including one with what appears to be the initials of a couple

There were varying degrees of damage across the rock carvings, including one with what appears to be the initials of a couple

The Track Rock Gap rock art and stone landscape sites on the Chattahoochee National Forest were created by Creek and Cherokee people beginning more than 1,000 years ago

Photos show varying degrees of damage that occurred sometime in 2020 across the rock carvings, including one that displays what appears to be the initials of a couple.

In 2010, the U.S. Forest Service renovated the Track Rock Gap to make the site more inviting to visitors. There had previously been grates in place covering the rock carvings to discourage vandalism.

The grates were replaced by a rustic fence and small stone wall in an effort to provide a more meaningful experience to the petroglyphs.

Track Rock Gap is one of the most well-known rock art sites in the Southeastern United States, and is the only one of its kind located on public land in Georgia.

The site, which is about 90 miles northeast of Atlanta, houses the petroglyphs that were found by explorers prior to the year 1800, and the earliest evidence of carvings dates back at least 3,600 years.

The vandalism, which occurred sometime in 2020, has caused irreplaceable damage to the pre-Colonial historic site

The vandalism, which occurred sometime in 2020, has caused irreplaceable damage to the pre-Colonial historic site

The vandalism, which occurred sometime in 2020, has caused irreplaceable damage to the pre-Colonial historic site

The petroglyphs were found by explorers prior to the year 1800, and the earliest evidence of carvings dates back at least 3,600 years

The petroglyphs were found by explorers prior to the year 1800, and the earliest evidence of carvings dates back at least 3,600 years

The petroglyphs were found by explorers prior to the year 1800, and the earliest evidence of carvings dates back at least 3,600 years

The sites vandalized are special and rare sites for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The sites vandalized are special and rare sites for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The sites vandalized are special and rare sites for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

BEFORE: The Forest Service renovated the Track Rock petroglyph site to make it more inviting to visitors, removing old grates that had been installed to discourage vandalism
AFTER: The Forest Service replaced old grates with a rustic post fence and small stone wall to make the site more inviting to visitors
Slide me

The Forest Service renovated the Track Rock petroglyph site to make it more inviting to visitors, removing old grates (left before) that had been installed to discourage vandalism. They were replaced by a rustic post fence and small stone wall (right after).

Each of the figures at Track Rock Gap contain historic carvings that range from non-representational, to abstract, to highly stylized. The ancient carvings have inspired wild origin stories, including theories of a Mayan settlement in the nearby region.

Some of the carvings on the rocks were made by pecking hard objects to create shapes, while others were created by incising into the rock.

Sites on public lands are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the damaged rock carvings are considered an irreplaceable part of the nation’s heritage.

Source: Daily Mail US

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

The Heartbreaking Story of the Original Lois Lane: Her Life Filled with Struggles

She captured the hearts of international audiences and secured her place in…

Cannabis Farm Standoff in California: Protester Shoots at ICE Agents

A tense situation arose during a major immigration raid at a significant…

Migrant Forcibly Removed from California Medical Clinic by ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents forcibly detained a 30-year-old undocumented migrant…

White House Ensures $40 Billion in Benefit Programs are Secured from Unauthorized Access

An executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February is resulting…

Pediatrician Defends Comment About MAGA Voters and Drowning

A female pediatrician fired for suggesting MAGA supporters deserved to drown in…

A Heartfelt Farewell to a Texas Student, 21, Lost in July 4th Floods

The body of a young college student who went missing during the…

Watch the Eulogy That Led Police to Charge Teen in Her Parents’ Murder

The chilling footage released by the Daily Mail shows a 17-year-old girl…

Secret Service Agent Suspended in Connection with Trump Assassination Plot

A Secret Service agent suspended over the attempted assassination of Donald Trump…

The American Community with a 25-Year Waitlist for Car Ownership

The United States has a unique community in California that strongly encourages…

I was revived six times during surgery to remove a 40-pound tumor

Ariana Pulido had been living with a massive tumor weighing 40 pounds,…

Obama Couple Partners with Seinfeld Creator for New TV Series

Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are teaming up with…

The Wimbledon WAG Making Waves at SW19

All eyes will be on Taylor Fritz this afternoon as he faces…