Rock Springs in Sweetwater County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

Landscapes of Power

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 11, 2011

1. Landscapes of Power Marker

Inscription. About three million years ago, a volcano dominated the landscape east of U.S. 191. The powerful forces of wind and water eroded softer rocks surrounding the volcano's more resistant core, resulting in the tooth-shaped butte on the eastern horizon. Boars Tusk now rises over 400ft. above the desert floor and stands sentinel over the vast expanse of the Killpecker Sand Dunes. This narrow belt of wind-blown sand stretches for over 60 miles across the Continental Divide, forming the largest dune field in North America. Sands began accumulating about 15,000 years ago, towards the end of the Ice Age. Today, spectacular active dunes in the center of the field measure tens of feet in height. The margins of the Killpecker dune field are currently stabilized by fragile vegetation; white spots apparent in the distance are small patches of active sand.

For thousands of years, Native Americans have recognized and revered the sacred power inherent in this landscape. Many spots show evidence from use as places of seclusion and prayer. The well-known White Mountain petroglyphs, and similar sites in the region, all attest to earth's sacred

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power and teach us to treat these special places with respect and care. Ceremonies and traditions spanning thousands of years continue to be held throughout this landscape. If you hear voices in the wind, it may not be your imagination.

Erected by Wyoming.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Natural Features.

Location. 41° 43.758′ N, 109° 16.58′ W. Marker is in Rock Springs, Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. It is on U.S. 191 0.1 miles north of Chilton Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rock Springs WY 82901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Wyoming’s Westward Expansion Trails Region.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Eskridge Draw (approx. 4.6

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 11, 2011

2. Landscapes of Power Marker

miles away); The Reliance Tipple (approx. 5.9 miles away); Tipples and the Reliance Coal Mines (approx. 5.9 miles away); Women and the Reliance Mines (approx. 5.9 miles away); Rock Spring Stage Station Site (approx. 9 miles away); Rock Springs Coal (approx. 10.3 miles away); "Charlie Smith" (approx. 10.3 miles away); A Tragedy Remembered (approx. 10.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rock Springs.

Killpecker Sand Dunes image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Beverly Pfingsten, June 11, 2011

3. Killpecker Sand Dunes

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,284 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 14, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.