Hospital Rock (Three Rivers, California)

Hospital Rock

Hospital Rock in Sequoia National Park
Nearest city Three Rivers, California
Area 2.2 acres (0.89 ha)
NRHP Reference # 77000122 [1]
Added to NRHP August 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 petroglyphs 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]

The rock can be used for rock climbing.[3]

References

  1. National Park Service (2009-03-13). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 3 Foothills Points of Interest, Summer, nps.goc
  3. 1 2 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


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