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English: The Preservation of Independence Rock

An important landform like Independence Rock is protected and preserved only through the efforts of many people and organizations. Not all attempts at preservation and commemoration are acceptable by current standards, however, and some actions left permanent scars on the National Historic Landmark.

Past attempts to memorialize an event or person by the placement of a plaque on the Rock damaged the surface. Today, nine bronzed legends, bolted to this Igneous summit are mute testimony to us about people of the immediate past and tell us what the believed to be important about their history.

A preservation ethic was fostered by public knowledge of the importance of the site. Public gatherings and celebrations held a the Rock over the years, including Independence Day commemorations, Masonic Lodge celebrations, and a National Boy Scout Jamboree, helped build public awareness.

As part of the United States bicentennial celebrations, the State of Wyoming established Independence Rock State Historic Site with administrative responsibilities given to the Wyoming Recreation Commission. In an effort to retain the undisturbed atmosphere surrounding the Rock, development at the site was kept ot a minimum. A fence placed around the ares to the historical inscriptions reduces contemporary damage.

Hundreds and thousands of people stopped here to rest, to meet, and to picnic and the area continues to serve in the same capacity as Independence Rock State Historic Site, allowing visitors to enjoy the majestic beauty of the landmark while refreshing themselves.