History
The Sanilac petroglyphs historic site, now a Michigan State Park and National Historic Place, is a remarkable location rich in ancient history and archaeological significance.
The site’s primary attraction is the extensive collection of carved symbols on rock slabs, estimated to number around 3 billion.
These petroglyphs were created primarily in the 1920s by members of the Saginaw Chippewa Nation, representing a continuation of earlier indigenous carvings.
Prior to the 1920s, the area was the focus of intensive archaeological study beginning in the 1940s, led by prominent archaeologists like Darrel J. Richards and Carl Holmquist.
Their research revealed a much deeper history stretching back approximately 8,000 years.
The site contains artifacts including tools and pottery fragments unearthed from the river floodplain forest and sandstone outcrops.
These finds provide valuable insights into the lives and practices of the people who inhabited this area millennia ago.
The Saginaw Chippewa Nation plays a vital role in co-managing the park today, ensuring the preservation and interpretation of this important cultural heritage.
You can learn more about the site’s ongoing research and management efforts at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/parks-and-recreation/sanilac-petroglyphs-historic-site.
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