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Fremont
Indians
The Fremont culture was first identified from sites found in 1928 along
the Fremont River near Capitol Reef National Park. Archaeologists noticed
that and artifacts were different than those in Anasazi sites in the
south. Unique characteristics included previously unseen pottery
types, dew claw moccasins, unfired clay figurines and petroglyphs with a
trapezoidal body shape. With the exception of far southern and
southeastern Utah, Fremont sites have been found throughout most of the
state. They also have been discovered in adjacent regions of
neighboring states. They depended on seasonal food gathered in Clear
Creek marshes and the surrounding pinyon / juniper forest.
Other
Canyon Occupants
As early as 5200 B.C., Clear Creek Canyon was used by prehistoric hunters
and gatherers. Early Spanish explores probable used the canyon as a
passageway through the Pahvant Plateau. Latter explorers and
trappers used the canyon as an east-west travel route. Jedediah
Smith and his party passed through the area in 1826, leaving initials and
a date on the canyon walls. In 1891, gold was discovered at nearby
Kimberly. The town flourished with a power plant, boarding houses, salons,
a school, doctor's office, and a opera house. In its heyday,
Kimberly had a population of 1,200 people. No one resides there
today, but it remains an interesting tourist site just seven miles
southwest of the park visiting center. Ranches, farms and business
occupied Clear Creek Canyon from the 1880s until they were displaced by
interstate 70 in 1985.
Rock
Art
Rock
art on the canyon walls is a reminder of Fremont Indians and other peoples
who inhabited or traveled through Clear Creek Canyon. The park is
one of the best places in Utah to see and study rock art. Take some
time to discover its treasures. Two types of rock art are found in
the park. Pictographs were painted on the canyon walls. Petroglyphs
were chipped chiseled or etched into the walls. (Indians chiseled
through the rock's darker surface, called desert varnish, to expose the
lighter underlying rock, creating the picture.) The meaning and
purpose of rock art remains a mystery. There is no universally
accepted interpretation among archaeologists. Explanations range
from a form of written history to doodling. Only the artists knew
the meaning of the images. As you look at the rock art, try to
imagine what the artist was trying to communicate through pictures.
For updated information regarding facilities
for the physically challenged, contact the park.
Fremont Indian State Park
11550 W. Clear Creek Canyon Rd.
Sevier, Utah 84766
(435) 527-4631
Click
Here For Online Camping Reservations For Fremont Indian State Park.
Service Provided By Reserve America.
Information Courtesy Of
Utah
State Parks And Recreatio
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