Dighton Rock State Park, State park and historical museum in Berkley, Massachusetts.
Description
Dighton Rock State Park covers about 85 acres along the Taunton River and houses a museum protecting a 40-ton boulder carved with ancient symbols. The glass enclosure preserves these inscriptions from weathering while allowing visitors to examine them closely.
History
Reverend John Danforth first documented the rock in 1680 when it remained in the river. The stone was removed from the water and placed under protection in 1963.
Culture
The carvings on the rock have inspired numerous theories over the centuries, from Native American origins to claims of contact by Portuguese, Vikings, and Phoenicians. These competing interpretations reflect how deeply this site has captured the curiosity of historians and visitors alike.
Practical
The museum operates Wednesday through Sunday from June to September, with appointments available during other months. Free parking is provided for all visitors.
Did you know?
Advanced lighting systems inside the museum reveal the inscriptions from different angles, helping researchers study the mysterious carvings with great precision. This technique has exposed details in the symbols that would otherwise remain hidden from plain sight.
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Massachusetts offers a range of locations beyond Boston and Cape Cod that receive fewer visitors. In the western part of the state, stone tower lookouts rise above forested hills, while waterfalls are located within state forests. Historic buildings from the 19th century stand in smaller...
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