Sanilac
Petroglyphs
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| About 7 miles southeast of my home is a simple looking park that has attracted my attention for a long time. The Sanilac Petroglyphs have been a point of intrigue for many amateur archeologists as well as the professionals. Following and on the next 2 pages is a very small visit to the site. Gerry Prich Local historians claims that the earliest white settlers (c.1830's) had knowledge of the existence of these stone carvings. An Indian village or encampment was known to exist near the site when lumbermen moved through the area in the 1870's, and small groups of Indians would annually come back every fall to the area to hunt or pick berries. A branch of the Cass River flows through the area about a quarter of a mile from the petroglyphs, and was the main transportation for logs to travel during the lumbering era. Many arguments have taken place about the age of the engravings at this site, but most archeological evidence taken from the area indicate main occupation during the Late Woodland period. It is commonly believed that these outcroppings of sandstone were left behind as the last glaciers receded from the region. It is thought that glacial streams created the "potholes" that are found in numerous quantity in the exposed bedrock of the area. Several archeological visits have taken place over the years including visits by W.B. Hinsdale and Emerson F. Greenman in 1925; several individuals from the Cranbrook Institute of Science in the 40's & 50's; and several visits by members of the Michigan Archeological Society and local universities. In 1966 the Michigan Archeological Society purchased approximately 240 acres surrounding the site and in 1972 turned over the property to the State of Michigan. Several times during the next 2 decades, funding was attempted to develop the site, but it was always whittled down to much less than what was needed for a major development. As of the spring of 2003, the State of Michigan has announced that the Sanilac Petroglyph Park will no longer be open to the public. A request can be made to view the park, but a payment would be required for staff to come and unlock the gate. Here is a copy of the news article.
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 This sign welcomes visitors to the park. The park is located in Northwest Sanilac County, Greenleaf Township, Section 11. ©Gerry Prich
The sandstone slab of carvings is protected by an open pavilion. The slab is approximately 20 x 40 feet. These petroglyphs are the only known stone carvings in the state of Michigan. ©Gerry Prich
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