Dighton Rock, Historical boulder in Dighton, Massachusetts, United States
Dighton Rock is a large sandstone boulder featuring a trapezoidal surface covered with carved inscriptions, geometric patterns, and schematic drawings. The stone weighs approximately 40 tons and spans several meters across its primary face.
The rock was first documented in 1680 when Reverend John Danforth created detailed drawings of its petroglyphs for the British Museum. This early record brought the stone to wider scholarly attention and sparked centuries of study.
The rock displays carvings linked to multiple peoples, including indigenous populations, Portuguese seafarers, and possibly Norse travelers who passed through the region. These marks represent different encounters with the landscape over time.
The rock is housed in a museum building within Dighton Rock State Park, making it easily accessible to visitors looking for information and shelter. The park also provides picnic facilities, walking trails, and views of the Taunton River.
The carvings on the stone appear different depending on lighting conditions, leading scholars and visitors to develop varying interpretations of their meanings over time. This visual quality has made reaching a definitive explanation challenging.
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