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Numerous Indians occupied the Southwestern Oregon area before the discovery of gold in California, but as the white men moved west, the indians slowly died off. During the fall of 1998, I was told that there was a cave where indians were buried. My friend was gracious enough to take me to the spot and show me the cave. We walked off the side of the road, and noticed many signs. One such sign said this:| NOTICE: Natural resources in this vicinity of this notice are fragile and irreplaceable. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 and the Antiquities Act of 1906 protect them for the benefit of all Americans. ENJOY BUT DO NOT DESTROY YOUR AMERICAN HERITAGE. Any person who, without official permission, injures, destroys, excavates, appropriates or removes any historic or prehistoric ruin, artifact, object of antiquity, or archaeological resource on the public lands of the United States is subject to arrest and penalty of law. Permits to excavate sites or remove artifacts can be issued only to qualified persons for the purpose of furthering knwoledge in the public interest. For information contact the Bureau of Land Management office at: ____________ |
| After encountering this sign, we noticed that there were other signs nearby. Like the one shown in the picture on the right. As we neared the cave, the excitement grew. My heart started pumping, and I was ready to explore. I began to walk down the trail, and I heard the splashing of a waterfall. I looked over, and there it was. |  |
| I entered the cave and was amazed at what I saw. The picture to the right is a picture from the inside of the cave looking out. A waterfall created a canopy that covered a small length of the cave. I expected to see paintings on the wall, but alas no. Instead I saw holes in the ground. The cave was obviously desecrated beyond repair. I made this page to show the importance of our cultural past, and the need to protect what little we have left of it. Please report any lawbreakers to the proper authorities. |  |