Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park

Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park. . , The sacred Sanilac Petroglyphs sit on the land of the Great Lakes Anishinabek (Original People) which are also known as the Three Fires Confederacy of Michigan, the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodewadmi (Potawatomi). , , Located on the floodplain of the Cass River, this site was rediscovered following massive forest fires that swept the region more than 100 years ago. Archaeologists have studied these petroglyphs since the 1920s and recorded them through drawings, photographs, molds and casts, and excavations surrounding the rock outcrop. Stone tools and pottery found during the excavations show that Native peoples occupied the area intermittently over approximately the last 8,000 years and help date the creation of the petroglyphs to within the last 1,400 years. A prominent carving featuring an archer also suggest this time frame, following the introduction of bow and arrow technology to this region. This is by far the largest known grouping of petroglyphs in Michigan. , , The Michigan Archaeological Society purchased the petroglyphs and surrounding land and deeded these to the State of Michigan in 1971. Now the 240-acre Sanilac Petroglyphs Historical State Park is preserved to teach us about our culture and national heritage and our continuing relationship with the environment. The petroglyphs are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.