Pod the Road Again: Jeffers Petroglyphs

Welcome to "Pod the Road Again," I'm your host, P.T.R.A. Today, we're exploring one of the most fascinating and culturally significant sites in the Midwest: the Jeffers Petroglyphs. Located in southwestern Minnesota, this site is a treasure trove of Native American history and spirituality. The Jeffers Petroglyphs are an internationally significant Native American sacred site, home to the largest group of Indigenous petroglyphs in the Midwestern United States. These ancient rock carvings, estimated to be over 11,000 years old, depict animals like bison, salamanders, turtles, elk, and human stick figures, as well as tools like atlatls and arrowheads. The earliest carvings date back to around 9,000 BCE, while the most recent ones were made about 250 years ago. The site is deeply sacred to multiple Native American nations, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Iowa, and Ojibwe. Native American elders believe that the glyphs were made directly by spirits or inspired humans using a rock hammerstone. The carvings are not just art; they are eloquent cultural symbols of rich and complex Native societies. They record historic and cultural knowledge, serving as an encyclopedia of Native American history. The petroglyphs were used for various purposes: some depict spirits or holy people's visions, while others are healing altars or prayers to the Great Spirit. The site is part of the Red Rock Ridge, which contains 209 exposed outcrops of bedrock that were ground smooth by glaciers 14,000 years ago. The Jeffers Petroglyphs have been a source of fascination for both European settlers and academics since the 1950s. Despite its significance, the site faced challenges in recent years. In 2021, negotiations with Apex Clean Energy resulted in a larger buffer for wind turbines near the site to protect its integrity. The Minnesota Historical Society has been the steward of this sacred place since 1966 and has initiated several conservation measures to preserve the petroglyphs. These efforts include white light scanning to create three-dimensional reproductions of the carvings and addressing lichen growth that reduced visibility. Today, visitors can explore the site through guided tours and interactive exhibits at the visitor center. It's a place where grandmother earth speaks of the past, present, and future—a testament to the enduring spirit of Native American cultures.