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]
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
- ^ a b c Foothills Points of Interest, Summer, nps.goc
- ^ Rock Climbing, nps.gov
- ^ Farquhar, Francis (1926). Place names of the High Sierra. San Francisco: Sierra Club. p. 128.
- ^ Seki Park News nps.gov
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Sheltered area underneath Hospital Rock -
Hospital Rock pictographs -
Bedrock mortars next to Hospital Rock, once used for grinding acorns
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