Hospital Rock (Three Rivers, California)

Hospital Rock
Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park
Hospital Rock (Three Rivers, California) is located in California
Hospital Rock (Three Rivers, California)
Hospital Rock (Three Rivers, California) is located in the United States
Hospital Rock (Three Rivers, California)
Nearest cityThree Rivers, California
Area2.2 acres (0.89 ha)
NRHP reference No.77000122 [1]
Added to NRHPAugust 29, 1977

Hospital Rock is a large quartzite rock in Sequoia National Park, located just off of the Generals Highway, on the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River.[2][3]

History

Hospital Rock was once home to 500 Potwisha Native Americans. Archaeological evidence shows settlement as early as 1350, and bedrock mortar sites and pictographs remain.[2] The Native Americans mostly used this site in the winter months. In 1860, Hale Tharp and his brother-in-law, John Swanson, were exploring the Giant Forest when Swanson sustained an injury to his leg. Swanson was transported to the locale where the injury was treated by local Indians.[4] Hale Tharp gave the spot its name after a second similar incident. In 1873, James Everton recovered from a gunshot wound at the site. He had been injured by a shotgun snare set to trap bear.[2]

Visiting

Hospital Rock is a public archaeological site that now features a parking lot and picnic area. A short trail was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that leads to a waterfall nearby.[5]

Hospital Rock Pictograph

References

  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c Foothills Points of Interest, Summer, nps.goc
  3. ^ Rock Climbing, nps.gov
  4. ^ Farquhar, Francis (1926). Place names of the High Sierra. San Francisco: Sierra Club. p. 128.
  5. ^ Seki Park News nps.gov