Rock Shelters

Rock Shelters. Scripture Rocks Heritage Park. , Rock Shelters are naturally occurring overhangs in the sandstone cliff face that can provide natural protection from wind, rain and snow. The two small shelters on the hillside above you were both utilized at various times during the past as "prehistoric motels" by groups of Native Americans while passing through the area on seasonal hunting or gathering expeditions., Although small and rocky, they are an ideal place to stay with a good vantage point overlooking the hillside below. A pole framework covered with bark or animal hides could have easily enclosed the shelter during bad weather and with a good fire hearth, it would be a dry and warm place to camp., Rock shelters are relatively dry compared to open air sites and thus allow for better organic preservation and act to protect the deposits from erosion and scattering. They are frequently stratified providing for a better archaeological context but are complicated to excavate. Many similar sites have been destroyed through poor excavation techniques and looting., The debris, stone tools and other diagnostic artifacts were discovered during the careful excavation of these sites by members of the North Fork Chapter 29 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology. Although the tribal names of the various groups of people staying here may be lost to history, their legacy remains through the artifacts they left behind., [Bottom left illustration caption reads] , Art work is Mohawk Morning by Robert Griffing