Near Brookville in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Ice Age
Scripture Rocks Heritage Park
The landscape of the Scripture Rocks Park was largely shaped during the ice age 24,000 to 12,000 years ago when continental glaciers nearly 2 miles thick covered most of Canada and portions of the northern United States. The glacier did not reach Brookville, but the glacial front advanced within 50 miles northwest of here. Due to the cold climate, northwestern Pennsylvania was much like northern Alaska is today. Below a certain depth, the ground remained frozen throughout the year. Ice penetrated natural fissures within the underlying bedrock, and over thousands of yeas, the expanding ice forced large boulders free from exposed cliffs. During the warmer summer months, the ground surface would thaw and become saturated by summer rains. Muddy soil, rocks, and boulders slowly oozed down the hillslopes over the frozen layers of soil. The boulders that Douglas Stahlman carved are remnants of this ice age landscape.
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 this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 41° 9.67′ N, 79° 3.026′ W. Marker is near Brookville, Pennsylvania, in Jefferson County. 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.
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.
Also see . . . Pennsylvania and The Ice Age. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources PDF (Submitted on April 21, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on April 9, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.