Near Brookville in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Rock Shelters

Scripture Rocks Heritage Park

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 8, 2022

1. Rock Shelters Marker

Inscription.
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

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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

Erected by Jefferson County History Center, North Fork Ch 29 PA Archaeology, PA Lumber Heritage Region, and Jeff Co Motel Tax Cmte.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Environment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 41° 9.67′ N, 79° 3.026′ W. Marker is near Brookville, Pennsylvania, in Jefferson County. It can be reached from Pennsylvania 28. Marker is along the Scripture Rocks Heritage Park trail (Geocoords are for the start of the trail; stay on the well-marked trail). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 560 PA Rt 28, Brookville PA 15825, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Rock Shelters and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 8, 2022

2. Rock Shelters and Marker

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to the Scripture Rocks Heritage Park (here, next to this marker); Clearcuts & Conservation (here, next to this marker); Birds (here, next to this marker); Park Geology (here, next to this marker); Veil-Lifting (here, next to this marker); House on the Rock (here, next to this marker); Mary Gilbert (here, next to this marker); The Writing on the Wall (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brookville.

Scripture Rocks Heritage Park Trail Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 8, 2022

3. Scripture Rocks Heritage Park Trail Map

Rock Shelters marker is near #46 on map

Scripture Rocks Heritage Park Sign image. Click for more information.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., April 8, 2022

4. Scripture Rocks Heritage Park Sign

Looking NE on PA 28 toward I-80
Park website homepage
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on April 9, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.