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Great Stone Face

Great Stone Face

When the Mormon Pioneers traveled hundreds of miles by wagon train and handcarts to settle this western wilderness they discovered this familiar looking rock face. Was this the face of their beloved prophet and leader Joseph Smith, who was killed at the hands of a mob while in the protection of government authorities?

The location of the Great Stone Face was populated for hundreds of years by local Indians before the Mormon Pioneers settled this area. One can only assume that these local Indians also saw the face of their great chieftains portrayed in this natural stone formation.

Located along the roadside just before the parking area is the Great Stone Face Petroglyphs site. The meaning of these writings is unknown, but some authorities think these symbols were an agreement dividing water and hunting rights among the Indians of the lower Sevier River area.

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