Near Leo in Jackson County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Leo Petroglyph
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
1. Leo Petroglyph Marker
Close-up view of text material from historical marker.
On the flat surface of this rock is one of the finest examples of prehistoric Indian petroglyphs or craved writings in Ohio. These figures are carved on an exposed portion of the black Hand Sandstone bedrock which underlies much of east-central Ohio.
The meaning of the petroglyphs cannot be determined but it is thought that they are either tribal symbols or depict activities in the history of the Indian group. Among the inscriptions at least a fish, a bird, an unidentified animal and three human feet can be recognized. A human head or face is shown adorned with a headdress. The rendition of the figures suggests that they were probably carved by the late prehistoric Fort Ancient Indians, who lived in southern Ohio approximately 700 years ago.
Erected 1972 by The Ohio Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Notable Places.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 39° 9.033′ N, 82° 40.487′ W. Marker was near Leo,
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Southern Ohio Hill Country. It was also in the American Midwest, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to Leo Petroglyphs & Natural Preserve (here, next to this marker); Leo Petroglyphs (within shouting distance of this marker); We cannot know for certain the meaning of the symbols (within shouting distance of this marker); This shelter covers a small group of petroglyphs
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
2. Leo Petroglyph Marker
Beginning at the south side of the petroglyph shelter is a nature trail which leads through a deep gorge cut into the bedrock. This trail also follows the upper cliffs where a scenic overlook permits an overall view of the gorge. Interpretive signs explain some of the natural history of the area.
Also see . . . Leo Petroglyphs & Nature Preserve. This web link is provided by the Ohio Historical Society. (Submitted on July 16, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
Additional commentary.
1. Image Leo Petroglyph # 7
This petroglyph is the image of the "emergence story" of native cultures, The head of the emerging figure is to the left side of this view(this should be the top ) ,Note the arms and upper body, the curved lines on each side of the "waist " area are the opening to the underground womb of the earth where the "ant" people saved mankind from the last destruction(hopi ,maya and many others)
You will note that the image is diminished in scale from this point down towards the legs and feet
the small feet are at the entry of the womb
If you imagine the opening being in centre of a crater at top of a volcanic mountain ,you
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
3. Leo Petroglyph Marker
View of this historical marker in the left foreground and a view of the shelter that protects the petroglyph in the right background.
This is what I see It seems to fit exactly Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted December 29, 2013, by Clifford Walters of Lebanon, Maine.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
4. Leo Petroglyphs
A marker providing a brief description of the Leo Petroglyphs:
This shelter covers a small group of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, cut into the flat sandstone surface by prehistoric Indians. This group of petroglyphs includes about 40 figures representing animals, humans, and other unidentified images. Nearby is a beautiful gorge with overhanging ledges that have eroded out of the sandstone conglomerate.
This shelter covers a small group of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, cut into the flat sandstone surface by prehistoric Indians. This group of petroglyphs includes about 40 figures representing animals, humans, and other unidentified images. Nearby is a beautiful gorge with overhanging ledges that have eroded out of the sandstone conglomerate.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
5. Leo Petroglyph
View of the Leo Petroglyphs as seen collectively under the cover of the shelter.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
6. Leo Petroglyph
View of the Leo Petroglyphs
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
7. Leo Petroglyph
Close-up view of one of the petroglyphs.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 9, 2009
8. Leo Petroglyph
A close-up view of a petroglyph depicting a human head in a head dress.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,473 times since then and 65 times this year. Last updated on January 28, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 15, 2009, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of the gorge and cliffs. • Can you help?
