August 18, 2009
Across from Fort Ransom in North Dakota, there is this informative interpretative plaque that tells of a big rock which rests over the ridge in the distance. It has script-like markings on it and it is called “The Writing Rock” -- the subject of much speculation and debate.
Geologists believe that water has etched the stone or that receding glaciers ground striations into the rock many centuries ago. Others are convinced that the markings are the work of prehistoric people who lived here between 5,000 and 9,000 years ago. With imaginative interpretation they see animals and other figures in the rock. These marks have never been deciphered.
Native American legends tell about this rock also in imaginative ways:
“Late at night, a water spirit would emerge from the Sheyenne River and write messages on the rock for the Dakota Tribes. If a girl caught a glimpse of the spirit she would have many admirers from the most desireable men of the tribe. If it were a man, he would become and expert hunter and warrior or leader.
The next night, spirits sould erase the old message and write a new one. After white settlers arrived, the spirits did not return.”
Across from Fort Ransom in North Dakota, there is this informative interpretative plaque that tells of a big rock which rests over the ridge in the distance. It has script-like markings on it and it is called “The Writing Rock” -- the subject of much speculation and debate.
Geologists believe that water has etched the stone or that receding glaciers ground striations into the rock many centuries ago. Others are convinced that the markings are the work of prehistoric people who lived here between 5,000 and 9,000 years ago. With imaginative interpretation they see animals and other figures in the rock. These marks have never been deciphered.
Native American legends tell about this rock also in imaginative ways:
“Late at night, a water spirit would emerge from the Sheyenne River and write messages on the rock for the Dakota Tribes. If a girl caught a glimpse of the spirit she would have many admirers from the most desireable men of the tribe. If it were a man, he would become and expert hunter and warrior or leader.
The next night, spirits sould erase the old message and write a new one. After white settlers arrived, the spirits did not return.”
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