Track Rock!
A couple of years ago, Lana and I were out exploring the north Georgia mountains when we saw a rather unobtrusive sign about Track Rock Archaeology Site. We noted it, but didn’t go looking for it that day. We kind of forgot about it for a while, but then we decided to visit Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Georgia and the subject of a previous post) and recalled Track Rock and included it in our trip. It was a little difficult to find, but worth the side trip!
In The Gemstone Chronicles Book One: The Carnelian, Aidan finds a cache of fairy crosses. One legend of the fairy cross is that they are the tears shed by the Cherokee as they were forced from Georgia on the Trail of Tears. Gold found in the hills led to their displacement. I have some knowledge of the Native Americans in south Georgia (where Lana and I both grew up), mostly due to talking with Lana’s Uncle Bud. Uncle Bud is 87 and is a fountain of knowledge about the settlements in the county where he lives. He has one of the most extensive arrowhead collections around. I’ve also visited the fascinating Kolomoki Mounds site in Early County Georgia (near Blakely).
Despite what I have learned about the Native Americans in the state, I had never heard of Track Rock or its significance. I had no idea it’s considered one of the most significant rock art sites in the Southeastern United States. Experts believe the Creek and Cherokee Native Americans created the art beginning over 1000 years ago.
Petroglyphs!
Here are some of the petroglyphs we saw during our visit!
I know it’s difficult to see the glyphs, so I added this picture of a plaque that gives some details
Find more information at the website listed on the sign!
There was a lot more to see. If you have a chance to travel through the north Georgia mountains, seek out Track Rock and enjoy this site!
What archaeology sites are near where you live and have you visited them? Leave me a comment and let me know!!
